MANILA, Philippines — In an effort to preserve the health of starting outside hitter Eya Laure, Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge Souza de Brito fielded second stringer Vanie Gandler and the national team rookie showed her readiness as a starter.
Gandler fired nine points as the Philippines dominated Iran, 25-16, 25-13, 25-15, to go 3-0 and booked its first semifinals entry in the AVC Challenge Cup for Women at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, May 25.
The victory also secured the country's first semifinals appearance in any AVC tournament ever.
With games being played everyday, Gandler said she's happy to have delivered and given Laure a crucial breather.
"I'm just really happy to be able to help the team, to be able to help Eya, cause it's a tournament where we play every day and they get tired too," said Gandler, who made the most of her chances as Laure and even starting middle blocker Thea Gagate rested.
"I know that our role as second-stringers is very important so that they get enough rest, so that everyone is strong, especially coming into the semis, now that I think we made it, right," the former Ateneo spiker said.
Gandler pumped four points in the first set, one in the second, and another four in the third frame to get her total as Alas secured a top two finish in Pool A that merits a semifinals seat.
Gandler said the home crowd support also keyed her as well as Alas' performance.
The morale-boost is so strong that each determined Alas member gets even more motivated to leave everything they have on the court.
"I'm so proud of everyone and I'm so happy, not just for the team, the crowd really boosts our energy. It's my first time playing with the national team and it's really a different feeling seeing the Philippine flag everywhere, feeling the heart of everyone," said Gandler.
"To be honest, with the preparation we had, we didn't really put much expectations, but I always knew that this team would fight, so I'm not surprised that every game, everyone poured their hearts out."
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