Gandler unleashes A game after missing practice

MANILA, Philippines — Former Ateneo star Vanessa Gandler came into Cignal as part of the franchise’s building blocks for its future.

Yesterday, the future arrived.

Delivering one of the best performances of her young, flourishing career, Gandler lifted Cignal to a 25-15, 25-23, 18-25, 25-19 victory over Petro Gazz and closer into the Magic Four in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Showing that she’s more than just a beautiful face, Gandler was all brains and brawn as she uncorked a magnificent 23-point effort laced with 19 kills, three blocks and a rocket-like service ace that helped propel the HD Spikers to their fourth win in a row and fifth overall in seven outings.

Gandler blew away everyone including her coach.

“Si Vannie may sakit ‘yan ‘nung Thursday and never nakapag-training,” said Cignal mentor Shaq delos Santos of his power-hitting spiker. “Pero alam naman namin gaano kasipag at nag-invest ‘yan so pinag-rest muna namin kahapon (Friday).”

“Fighter talaga ‘yung bata, alam mo tinatrabaho niya talaga role niya,” he added.

Invitational Conference MVP Ces Molina was also on target as she scattered 17 hits, 15 of which came off attacks.

Gel Cayuna dished out 14 excellent sets.

Delos Santos said they would need to level up even more for them to have a chance of winning most, if not all, of their last four outings against F2 Logistics at the Filoil EcoOil Arena on Thursday and Chery Tiggo on Nov. 21, Nxled on Nov. 25 and Gerflor on Dec. 5 all at the PhilSports Arena.