Reminiscing Cignal’s steady rise in the PVL following the team’s departure from the league 

The journey of the Cignal Super Spikers in the Premier Volleyball League was never about instant success. Instead, it was built on steady improvement, patience, and a group that kept finding ways to stay competitive year after year.

Cignal entered the league in 2021 as the HD Spikers, bringing in a mix of veterans and emerging players under head coach Shaq Delos Santos. Led by experienced names like Rachel Anne Daquis and Jheck Dionela, the team quickly showed it could keep up with more established squads. While they did not contend for a title right away, they laid down a solid foundation.

That foundation paid off in 2022 when Cignal reached its first Finals appearance in the Reinforced Conference. Behind import Tai Bierria, the team made a strong run before finishing as runner-up to Petro Gazz. Even in defeat, it was a sign that the team was moving in the right direction.

In 2023, the spotlight shifted to individual excellence as Ces Molina stepped up with an MVP performance in the Invitational Conference. Her scoring surge showed that Cignal had players capable of leading the way in big moments.

From 2023 to 2024, the HD Spikers became a regular presence near the top of the standings. They consistently finished on the podium and remained a tough team to beat, regardless of roster changes. Different combinations came and went, but the team’s identity stayed the same, guided by its “Happiness, Cignal!” culture.

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‘KAHIT KAMI-KAMI LANG, KAYA NAMIN ‘TO ILABAN…’

Jackie Acuña reveals how the Cignal Super Spikers turned criticism into fuel in their inspiring 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference run before filing a heartbreaking leave of absence from the league.#PVL2026 #TheHeartofVolleyball pic.twitter.com/hyjGD8jMMn

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) April 29, 2026

New faces also emerged during this stretch. Erika Santos made an immediate impact after joining the team, showing her scoring ability in the PVL on Tour. At the same time, the team transitioned into a new era, rebranding as the Super Spikers ahead of the 2025 season.

Despite the changes, Cignal remained steady. Gel Cayuna continued to lead the offense as one of the league’s top setters, while Dawn Macandili-Catindig anchored the defense. Jackie Acuña also added strength at the net, helping the team stay competitive in every conference.

The biggest breakthrough came in 2026 when Cignal reached its first PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals. The team earned its spot by beating strong opponents like Farm Fresh and Creamline in the semifinals. Although they fell short in the championship series, the Finals appearance marked an important step forward.

Leading that run was Vanie Gandler, who delivered an MVP season and became one of the league’s top players. Her all-around performance reflected how far both she and the team had come.

In just five years, Cignal grew from a new team into a consistent contender. While their leave of absence puts that progress on hold, their run showed what steady development and a strong core can achieve in the PVL.

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