Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos says reaching the PVL semifinals is a huge achievement for his team

The Cignal HD Spikers continued their strong form in the ongoing 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour preseason tournament by sweeping the Akari Chargers, 25-20, 25-11, 28-26, in the quarterfinals on Thursday, August 7, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City to secure a spot in the semifinals.

Leading the charge for Cignal was Erika Santos, who delivered an impressive 24-point performance, including 22 kills on 43 percent attack efficiency. She caught fire in the second set, scoring 11 points, and sealed the win with the game-clinching spike. Santos received ample support from Roselyn Doria, who added 10 points, while Ishie Lalongisip chipped in nine. Tin Tiamzon and Acuna contributed six points each, while Gel Cayuna orchestrated the offense with 18 excellent sets and also scored three points.

Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos believes that reaching the semifinal stage itself is a big achievement for his new-look HD Spikers team, revealing that he is proud of his players.

“This means a lot to us. As their coach, this is such a big achievement. Every day and night, I think about what we can still improve, what else we can do. But more than that, I’m really proud of the team,” Delos Santos said in a media interaction.

“They respond to us coaches, no matter what’s happening. Even if the training is hard, they’re there. And I make sure to explain the reason and purpose behind everything we are doing. That’s why this moment means so much,” he added.

Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos on their impressive #PVLonTour run so far. #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/jrMxwnMyL4

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 7, 2025

Notably, Delos Santos has had to ensure that his players make up for the absence of star players Dawn Catindig and Vanie Gandler, who are busy with Alas Pilipinas commitments.

“I think it’s really our patience with what we have, especially this past year. To be honest, it’s been heavy. So many challenges came our way, and we didn’t even know what our team would look like until this month came around.

“We are really thankful to management, especially our new team manager. Huge credit also goes to coach Yani Fernandez. We trust each other, and we have had so many heart-to-heart talks before making decisions for this team,” Delos Santos continued.

Cignal will face the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the semifinals of the PVL On Tour, scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, and Delos Santos acknowledges that there is still a lot to be done as they aim to win the title.

“We still have a lot to figure out and improve, but we are proud of how far we have come. We see the direction we are heading in, and we are excited to keep working, investing in what still needs to be done,” he concluded.

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