Erika Santos makes an immediate impact for Cignal on debut in win over Akari

The Cignal HD Spikers kickstarted their Premier Volleyball League (PVL) on Tour preseason campaign in the best possible way by sweeping the Akari Chargers 25-23, 25-14, 25-23 at the Chavit Coliseum in Vigan City on Sunday, June 22.

New signing Erika Santos made an immediate impact for her new team on her debut, top scoring with 14 points, helping fill the void left by the departure of two key players earlier in the offseason. Santos revealed after the win that she is happy with the HD Spikers after spending two years with the PLDT High Speed Hitters prior to her departure.

“There is no place like home. Of course, it felt overwhelming since it’s our first game on tour and also my first game with Cignal. Every training session, we learn something new. And we never stop learning and listening to the coach. But there is no room for complacency. I’m still hungry to learn,” Santos said post the game.

Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos and Erika Santos after winning their first #PVLonTour game vs Akari.#PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/ZLx1P5OUbY

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 22, 2025

The former La Salle Lady Spiker went on to credit her easy transition to the leadership and top skills of Cignal captain Gel Cayuna, who finished with five points along with 21 excellent sets.

“It’s really good. She is the type of setter who doesn’t complain. Based on my experience here with Cignal, even when it’s clearly our fault, she is the one who apologizes first. It makes us feel more accountable,” she added.

Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos was happy with the victory, revealing that he is grateful to have Santos and Tin Tiamzon, who came out of retirement on his team. Tiamzon, for her part, enjoyed an impressive debut, finishing with 11 points on 14 excellent sets.

“We know they will have a big impact and really help the team. But at the same time, we still have a lot to work on. Hopefully, we can slowly bring them into our system, or better, speed up the process. It all comes down to working hard. There is still so much we need to polish,” Delos Santos stated.

The victory gave them an early winning start in Pool B and Cignal will hope that Santos continues her good form when they face the Capital1 Solar Spikers next on Monday, June 23, at the Chavit Coliseum in Vigan City.

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