Ever ready: PVL rising star Gandler humbly accepts bench gig, delivers as Laure rests

MANILA, Philippines – In the weeklong 2024 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup, teams get little to no rest as games come one after another every single day.

Thus, an ever-ready bench mob is vital for any squad aspiring for a podium finish, and such was the case for Alas Pilipinas, once the lowest-ranked country in the 10-team field, but is now the second team to reach the knockout semifinals off a decisive rout of Iran, 25-16, 25-13, 25-15, on Saturday, May 25.