High-profile players, coaches level up PVL

THE lead-up to the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season has been filled with a lot of players and even coaching movements.

From the F2 Logistics players joining other teams following the disbandment of their team to the arrival of coaches and players from abroad, there is no doubt that fans are in for a treat in the upcoming season.

Cignal’s incoming sophomore wing spiker Vanie Gandler couldn’t agree more, saying that the movements this off season will only raise the level of play in the PVL and the Philippine volleyball in general.

“There were a lot of movements, new teams, but I see it more as something exciting,” said Gandler.

“I think this is going to level up volleyball in the Philippines. You know, since better teams are forming, better players are coming in. It’s motivation for every time also that ‘Oh, what can we do? What more can we do to improve?’ So, it’s a challenge but for me it’s an exciting one.”

A few of the notable movements were F2 Logistics trio of Kim Dy, Kim

Fajardo, and Majoy Baron joining PLDT; Choco Mucho’s Bea De Leon and Denden Lazaro-Revilla moving to Creamline, and US-NCAA standout Brooke Van Sickle and Japanese veteran coach Koji Tsuzurabara signing with Petro Gazz.

These movements could affect Gandler and the HD Spikers’ podium chances who finished with a bronze medal in each of the Invitational Conference and 2nd AllFilipino Conference last season. Gandler stressed that Cignal’s main goal is to win the championship.

“Yeah, it was a great year for us but we still haven’t gotten the main goal, which is the championship. So, of course, our eyes are still on the prize and that’s winning the gold and we’re really just going to keep building on from there.”

On a personal note, Gandler looks to keep on improving after a solid rookie season in the league. The former Ateneo standout also said that she’s excited to team up with Cignal’s new recruit in decorated libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig.