MINGLANILLA — Fan-favorite Vanie Gandler and the rest of Cignal drew strength from the passionate Cebuano crowd during a brief delay that momentarily halted their momentum against Nxled on Saturday night.
The HD Spikers had taken a 2-0 lead over the Chameleons and were just one set away from securing the win when a power outage caused a nearly 30-minute delay, disrupting the flow for both teams.
“That was actually hard because the momentum stopped for a long time and parang when you stop playing, then you play again after a long time, your body has to adapt again to it,” said Gandler.
With the momentum they had carefully built now gone, Gandler and her teammates turned to the enthusiastic crowd – who, just moments earlier, erupted in chants of “Let’s go, Cignal!” mere seconds after the lights went out.
(C) PVL Images
This surge of energy gave the HD Spikers a massive boost, allowing them to fend off the rallying Chameleons in straight sets, 25-18, 25-22, 25-23, at the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Minglanilla Sports Complex here.
“Of course, that boosted our morale because… in Manila we don’t have this many people watching us, so it’s so touching to hear everyone cheering, ‘Let’s go Cignal, let’s go’,” said the 24-year-old Gandler, who was greeted with cheers every time she stepped to the service line.
Gandler delivered 13 points, with nine attacks, three blocks, and one ace, along with six excellent digs, to the delight of her Cebuano fans, who also brought signs to show their support.
The Ateneo de Manila University product couldn’t help but feel grateful for the outpouring of love she received during the match. She was also glad that she could repay that support with an impressive performance that led to a victory.
“I’m really surprised, of course, because I don’t really go to Cebu. I’m touched to see na so many people support me here, and it really inspires me. It’s really fun playing here in Cebu; I’ve enjoyed my stay so far,” she said.
“I’m super grateful, of course, to the fans. I’m happy that I have this kind of support here, and it really pushes me to do even better kasi one way or another, I know that I inspire people and entertain them.”
