All sorts of reunions have occurred within Alas Pilipinas, and Saturday night was no exception.
In front of a roaring, full-house Rizal Memorial Coliseum, the reunion of Ateneo de Manila University products Vanie Gandler and Faith Nisperos took place on the court once again, in what turned out to be one of the most thrilling games as the Philippines thrashed Iran for a spot in the semifinals of the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup.
This marks the first time that any Philippine women’s volleyball team has reached the semifinals of a continental tournament.
Gandler, who had been utilized as a service specialist in Alas’ first two games against Australia and India, was unleashed against Iran. The 5-foot-9 outside hitter started in place of Eya Laure and did not disappoint in the 25-16, 25-13, 25-15 rout, scoring nine points on eight attacks and one service ace.
“I’m just really happy to be able to help the team, to be able to help Eya, cause it’s a tournament where we play every day and they get tired too,” said Gandler.
“I know that our role as second-stringers is very important so that they get enough rest, so that everyone is strong especially coming into the semis,” added the 23-year-old, Cignal superstar.
Nisperos, on the other hand, did not see action in the first two games and was only brought in during the latter parts of the third set today, greeted with one of the loudest cheers during the match.
The 5-foot-11 hitter, who was converted to the opposite position for this tournament, was a key weapon for the Philippine team with Akari’s core in the last edition of the Challenge Cup.
She did not disappoint the fans as she secured the final two points of the match, a down-the-line spike and a crosscourt hit, much to the delight of the home crowd.
“Siyempre po I do everything naman po with every chance na I can get, kaya nung pinasok po ako I can think is para sa teammates ko, para sa coaches ko, para sa bayan lalaban ako,” said the 24-year-old Akari hitter.
“We’re in our home court kaya ramdam ko po talaga ‘yung suporta ng buong bayan, ‘yung mga fans very wild kaya sobrang heartwarming po talaga,” she continued.
From being teammates at Ateneo to being part of one of the most successful national women’s volleyball teams in recent memory, Gandler is simply enjoying the opportunity to play with Nisperos once again.
Alas will either face Vietnam, Kazakhstan, or Hong Kong in the knockout crossover semifinals but will first face Chinese Taipei tomorrow at 7 p.m.
“I’m happy to be playing with Faith again on the court. We played in college, now in the national team, so it feels great, of course,” said Gandler.
