MANILA — Capital1 Solar Energy Solar Spikers pulled off one of the biggest roster rebuilds of the Premier Volleyball League offseason after securing the services of reigning All-Filipino Conference Most Valuable Player Vanessa “Vanie” Gandler and top scorer Erika Santos in a massive boost to the franchise’s bid for contention in the 2026 season.
The Solar Spikers formally signed Gandler, Santos, and setter Jaja Maraguinot on Thursday as the team aggressively retools following an eighth-place finish in the previous PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Gandler and Santos became available after the Cignal HD Spikers decided to step away from the league despite advancing to the Finals in the recently concluded conference.
The acquisitions immediately strengthen a Capital1 squad already bannered by rising star Mhicaela Belen, giving the Solar Spikers one of the most explosive offensive combinations heading into the new season.
Gandler is coming off a breakout year where she captured the All-Filipino Conference MVP award after spearheading Cignal’s run to the championship round. She finished as the league’s fourth-leading scorer with 209 points built on 182 attacks, 17 blocks, and 10 service aces.
Santos likewise emerged as one of the league’s premier scorers after transferring from PLDT to Cignal, eventually winning MVP honors in the PVL On Tour tournament. She wrapped up the All-Filipino Conference with 177 points on 160 attacks, 12 blocks, and five aces.
The signings address one of Capital1’s biggest weaknesses last conference after the team ranked only seventh in spiking efficiency at 28.30 percent.
The duo is also expected to complement Belen, who already shares familiarity with Gandler from their time together under Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge Souza de Brito.
Meanwhile, Maraguinot adds depth to Capital1’s playmaking department as she joins setters Jasmine Nabor, Iris Tolenada, and Nikka Yandoc in the roster. She previously played for Nxled in the Reinforced Conference.
With its revamped lineup, Capital1 is set to begin preparations for the PVL On Tour tournament opening in June as the franchise aims to emerge as a legitimate title contender./PN
