Gel Cayuna earns PVL Player of the Week honors as Cignal barges into semis 

Gel Cayuna proved once again why she is one of the most reliable floor generals in Philippine volleyball, guiding the Cignal Super Spikers past the Creamline Cool Smashers and into the semifinals of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference. 

Her blend of steady playmaking and scoring aggression turned what could have been a tense matchup into a showcase of poise and leadership, reminding fans why the veteran setter continues to command respect in the league.

The pivotal moment came in a five-set thriller against the defending champions at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where Cayuna delivered 34 excellent sets and 11 points to fuel Cignal’s 25-21, 24-26, 18-25, 25-22, 17-15 win. 

Facing off against the Cool Smashers’ celebrated setter Jia Morado-De Guzman, Cayuna didn’t just keep pace—she dictated the tempo, orchestrating her team’s offense while also contributing crucial points at key moments. The performance earned her the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week award for March 24 to 28, a nod to her ability to rise when it matters most.

“Sa ensayo kasi tinanong kami ni coach kung ano ‘yung goal namin na points and excellent sets, so sabi ko kasi 30 plus—’yung sinabi ko [sa sets] and double digits sa score. 

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Gel Cayuna wins the @PVLPressCorps
Player of the Week presented by @PilipinasLive
after sending Cignal to the semifinals. #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/oSFtnqppTS

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) March 29, 2026

So talagang nagawa ko,” said Cayuna, reflecting on her remarkable effort. The 27-year-old four-time PVL Best Setter emphasized that her performance was a result of preparation and commitment, not just natural skill, highlighting the synergy between her vision and her teammates’ execution.

Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos noted that Cayuna set a standard for the team that became both motivation and blueprint in their victory over the 10-time champion. “Nag-commit naman sila kasi sabi ko kailangan ‘yung intention natin. Ano ba ‘yung gusto nating gawin para manalo, which is ‘yung mga binitawan nila sa amin doon sa huddle namin,” he said. 

The veteran setter’s leadership allowed the team to channel past frustrations and come back stronger, scoring a statement win over the squad that had previously defeated them in a five-set clash during the preliminary round.

Delos Santos also pointed to the growth of the Cignal core as a key factor in their success. “I think may factor siya [mga hirap na pinagdaanan ng team] plus siguro ‘yung core rin nung team, kung paano sila nag-grow and nag-improve, kung paano nila ginugusto ‘yung ginagawa nila, plus ‘yung binibigay namin na mga skills, at mga situational, kung ano kailangang maramdaman, kung ano ‘yung kailangang gawin,” he said. 

The combination of tactical execution and mental toughness, anchored by Cayuna’s leadership, gave the Super Spikers the edge in high-pressure situations, ultimately propelling them into the semifinals.

With a couple of weeks to prepare before the Final Four begins on April 11 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Cayuna and Cignal now shift focus to the next challenge. The message is clear: under her guidance, the Super Spikers are not just content to reach the semis—they are determined to go further.

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