Gandler says games vs international squads will help PH volleyball growth

Being called up to join Alas Pilipinas is a dream come true for Vanie Gandler, one that she had her eye on for a while now.

“[Being on the national team is] an honor and I am very excited to be here,” Gandler told the Inquirer ahead of her debut with Alas Pilipinas against Australia on Thursday for the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

“I think it’s everyone’s dream to be a part of the national team because it’s the highest level of competition [so I am] really grateful,” she added.

In the earlier matches on Thursday, Hong Kong (1-1, win-loss) notched its first victory after a straight sets rout of Indonesia (0-1), 25-22, 26-24, 25-19, in Pool B. India (2-0) soared for the solo lead of Pool A after dominating Chinese-Taipei (0-2), 25-19, 25-13, 25-16.

After Alas Pilipinas clashes with Australia, it will look to cut India on Friday. Vietnam (2-0) secured an early lead in Pool B after sweeping Singapore (0-2), 25-8, 29-27, 25-10.During her UAAP stint, then Ateneo rookie Gandler helped the Blue Eagles to a championship in Season 81 before deciding to turn pro with Cignal in the PVL last year.

Gandler will be reunited with former Ateneo teammate Faith Nisperos and predecessor Jia de Guzman, who she said playing with was something she was looking forward to.“I never had the chance to play with her and everyone knows how great of a setter she is,” the 23-year-old spiker said of De Guzman. “I know that ate Jia is a type of player that can bring out the best in me, not just ‘cause of her skills but also ‘cause of her leadership.”

One of PVL’s rising stars in her young career, Gandler hopes that Alas Pilipinas can help uplift the level of volleyball in the country.

“I am really looking forward to the experience and the learnings that I’ll get from this, not just for me, but also for the team so, slowly, the level of volleyball in the Philippines will rise,” she added.

Gandler will also be working with former UAAP rivals such as Fifi Sharma, who also took her act to the PVL with Akari, and the current De La Salle University trio of Angel Canino, Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel.

“The three players, we all know are very good, they’re multi-awarded in the UAAP and I am really excited to learn from them,” Gandler said.

“They may be younger, but I don’t believe that it makes them [less in terms of experience]. I still idolize them in a way ‘cause everyone knows how they play and we’re still all in awe of how they can perform,” she added