Vanie Gandler and the Cignal HD Spikers were definitely crowd favorites during the PVL's first out-of-town game in Cebu.
As Cignal led 5-4 against Nxled in the third set, the electricity at the Minglanilla Sports Complex in Cebu suddenly shut down, causing about a 30-minute delay in the action.
While players tried to keep themselves ready for when play would resume, it was the electric Cebuano crowd that gave the HD Spikers a spark by cheering “Let’s go Cignal.”
This seemingly gave Vanie Gandler and the rest of the Cignal squad the necessary boost to close out the Chameleons in straight sets, 25-18, 25-22, 25-23.
“Of course, that really 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,” Gandler told reporters after the PVL's first ever pro game in Cebu..
“I'm happy that I have this 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,” she added.
The 24-year-old Gander finished the match with a team-high 13 points on nine attacks, three blocks, and one service ace to push the HD Spikers atop the standings in the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference at 4-0.
“That [delay] was actually really 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,” Gandler explained.
“It was really hard but I'm happy na our team made it and there were players that really stepped up,” she added.
Ces Molina also finished in double digits with 10 points, including the game-winning attack for Cignal.
Dawn Macandili-Cantindig put up 12 excellent digs, while Gel Cayuna had 11 excellent sets.
The HD Spikers’ last assignment for the year will be against the surging Petro Gazz Angels on December 14 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
Chiara Permentilla had another strong outing for the still-winless Nxled squad with 18 points.
Lucille Almonte had her best outing yet with 11 markers, while Lycha Ebon added 10 in the loss.
The Chameleons will look to regroup amid the Christmas break as they resume their campaign on Jan. 18 against the Farm Fresh Foxies.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco/One Sports)