PVL: Capital1’s Milka Romero hopes stars’ arrival leads to success

Vanie Gandler (left) and Erika Santos will bring their solid partnership to the Capital1 Solar Spikers. —MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Capital1 Solar Spikers are determined to translate their big offseason after acquiring Philippines volleyball’s biggest names into a successful Premier Volleyball League (PVL) campaign.

Capital1 owner Milka Romero was grateful for the players’ trust in their young franchise after Most Valuable Players Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, who decided to join the Solar Spikers after Cignal’s leave of absence.

READ: PVL: Capital1 now brandishes fancied Big 3 after signing Gandler, Santos

“As one of the team owners, we make it a point to take opportunities. It was very much to our surprise that everything that has happened. But because we are very close to our coaches, who tell us who we need. We also look at much more, not just the strongest players, but who is fit for our team,” said Romero, who owns Capital1 with her sister Mandy.

“We look at players who are in line with our five-year vision, with our 10-year vision. And of course, the track record. The track record of our players right now is extensive. But I’m already very fortunate that they believe in us despite being just two years in the league.”

The arrival of Santos and Gandler, who led Cignal to a silver medal run in the previous All-Filipino Conference, as well as setter Jaja Maraguinot, provides huge support for the Solar Spikers’ top overall pick, Bella Belen.

The three-time UAAP MVP Belen was coming off her best PVL outing yet, emerging as the top rookie and Best Outside Spikers. And forming a ‘big three’ with Cignal’s 1-2 punch heightens the title expectations for Capital1, which remains patient with the progress.

READ: PVL: Vanie Gandler eager to help Capital1 write a winning story

“We can’t make any promises, but we have goals, we have visions, and we now have the players that will put that in play,” said Romero, whose club joined the league two years ago.

The daughter of sportsman Mikee Romero vows that her whole team, from players to coaches, will continue to strive and work together to bring their franchise to greater heights.

“It’s definitely a journey from our idea to concept. I’m very emotional because people only see the results on the court. They only see, of course, the stars that we have. But as a team owner, you think about each and every member, down to our coaches, utilities. We are very much invested not just our time but our passion in this team,” Milka said. “Mandy and I, our advocacy to support women in professional sports here in the Philippines is very strong.”

Capital1 could add more pieces in the upcoming Rookie Draft before parading their new-look roster in the PVL on Tour starting in June.