Vanie Gandler arrived at Capital1 with the credentials of a Most Valuable Player and the experience of a proven scorer, but the outside hitter knows that building a winning team requires more than individual brilliance.
For the former Cignal star, her new chapter with the Solar Spikers is a work in progress — one that calls for patience, constant communication, and a willingness to grow alongside her teammates.
Gandler made the move to Capital1 in May alongside fellow MVP Erika Santos after Cignal disbanded its roster at the end of last season. Rather than simply bringing her scoring prowess to a new team, the 25-year-old wanted to be part of building something from the ground up.
Now competing in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series, Gandler continues to find her footing in Capital1's system, particularly in developing her connection with the team's playmakers.
The adjustment has not always been smooth, but the Ateneo product is encouraged by the progress she has seen on the court.
“It's okay so far. I think I've seen so much progress with our connection throughout the games. I was struggling at the start, but then we really always make sure to communicate,” Gandler said.
“I'm being patient with it. We're all being patient with our connection because we know that it's really a process, and we can't force it."
While she works toward finding her rhythm, Gandler has the luxury of sharing the floor with Bella Belen, whose consistent production has helped keep the Solar Spikers competitive as their new core continues to develop.
Rather than rushing to establish herself in the team's offensive hierarchy, Gandler appreciates the stability Belen provides while she adjusts to her surroundings.
“And of course, with regard to having Bella on the team, I'm very grateful, of course, that Bella's able to hold our ground while I'm still trying to find my rhythm. I'm still trying to find my role here in the team, but Bella's ever reliable, so we're very grateful to have her,” she said.
The growing chemistry has yet to reach its full potential, but Capital1's recent results suggest that the team is moving in the right direction.
The Solar Spikers claimed their second consecutive victory on Tuesday, rallying past ZUS Coffee in a five-set thriller, 20-25, 25-17, 22-25, 25-20, 15-8, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Gandler contributed 11 points in three sets as Capital1 recovered from another difficult test to secure its second straight win. The victory also marked the team's third consecutive five-set match to open its campaign.
For Gandler, these demanding contests offer valuable opportunities for a team still learning how to navigate pressure together.
“It's good that our team is being exposed to these high-pressure moments this early on, especially this early on in our journey together as this core,” she said.
The victories have given Capital1 early momentum, but Gandler understands that sustaining that progress will require continued improvement as the competition intensifies.
“Of course, what's important is that we win. So, I'm happy that we're able to fight through and get the wins. We learned from our first game, but we know that coming into the next games, it's really going to be very challenging.”
