Erika Santos embraces pressure in Cignal’s breakthrough PVL finals run

For Erika Santos, the long wait has only made the moment more meaningful. After years of building, adjusting, and growing into her role, Santos now finds herself on the brink of something new—a first-ever Finals appearance with the Cignal Super Spikers in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

“Like I always say talaga na masarap maglaro under pressure. So, nasa iyo na talaga kung paano mo laruin and kung paano mo, ‘yon, gagawin yung best mo para ma-outplay yung kalaban,” Santos said, embracing the weight that comes with the biggest stage.

“For sure, yung uhaw kasi ang tagal na nito eh. Parang ilang years din in the making tapos finally andito na sa finals. So ‘yon, gutom na gutom na para, ‘yon, kunin yung medal and yung trophy.”

That mindset was already evident as early as the qualifying round. In a heart-stopping five-set showdown against the Creamline Cool Smashers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Santos powered Cignal through one of its toughest tests of the conference. 

She erupted for 26 points built on 23 attacks, two blocks, and an ace—delivering in crucial moments as the Super Spikers outlasted Creamline, 21-25, 26-24, 25-18, 22-25, 15-17.

Her ability to rise in high-pressure situations kept Cignal within striking distance in a match that constantly swung between two elite squads—and ultimately pushed them forward.

They carried that resilience into the semifinals, opening with a strong statement win over the Farm Fresh Foxies. After dropping the first set, Cignal dominated the rest of the match, with Santos leading the charge with 21 points built on 20 attacks and a block.

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WATCH: Erika Santos shares how motivated she is to win her breakthrough PVL title. #PVL2026 | via @kennedyzcaacbay pic.twitter.com/gMoMrq4qkz

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) April 16, 2026

“Hindi naging madali yung transition kasi, um, kailangan mag-adjust sa new system. Pero a good thing talagang tyinaga nila Coach Shaq (delos Santos). So, ‘yan nabubuo naman, nagiging okay naman yung outcome. So, hopefully mabuos pa lahat sa finals,” she shared, reflecting on the team’s evolution.

By April 14, Cignal’s growth was undeniable.

The Super Spikers delivered an emphatic four-set victory over Creamline, 25-13, 13-25, 25-16, 25-16, to punch their ticket back to the Finals. Santos once again played a key role, finishing with a double-double of 14 points and 14 excellent digs in a composed, all-around effort.

It marked Cignal’s return to the championship stage since the 2024 Invitational Conference—but for Santos, it represents something even more personal.

“Nag-a-align na yung mga pinagtrabahuan ng bawat isa and yung goals namin. Pero syempre uhaw ho yung bawat isa and lalo na ako, lalo na first time kong mag-final so gagawin ko yung best ko.”

Beyond the moment, Santos’ rise has been backed by consistency.

The 2025 PVL On Tour MVP has emerged as one of the league’s top attackers, currently ranking as the third-best spiker in the All-Filipino Conference—proof that her impact goes beyond single-game performances.

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