Cignal during a PVL on Tour preseason game against Akari in Vigas, Ilocos Sur.–PVL PHOTO
VIGAN, Ilocos Sur — New-look Cignal was good as advertised as it dominated Akari, 25-23, 25-14, 25-23, in a rousing PVL on Tour debut on Sunday at Chavit Coliseum here.
Erika Santos, who transferred from PLDT, led the charge for the HD Spikers with 14 points all from attacks to start their Pool B campaign on a high note.
SCHEDULE: 2025 PVL on Tour preseason tournament
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
Of course, we’re super happy and really thankful to God because we really prepared for this tournament. We know there’s still a lot to improve, but the good thing is how the team responded, especially Erika, who’s new to the team,” Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos told the reporters in Filipino.
“The way she played made us really, really happy, and I’m sure there’s still a lot of great things she can do.”
Santos restored the order when they fell to an 18-19 deficit in the third as she scored two crucial kills, followed by two consecutive errors by Akari for a 23-19 lead.
The former La Salle Lady Spiker committed back-to-back attack errors before fellow newcomer Tin Tiamzon sent them to match point, 24-21.
Grethcel Soltones and Ivy Lacsina saved two match points to cut it down to one. But a miscue ended the game after an hour and 33 minutes.
Tiamzon, who came out of retirement, hardly missed a beat from a two-year hiatus as she delivered 11 points and 14 excellent receptions
Ishie Lalongisip, who was hailed best rookie in the All-Filipino Conference, was also instrumental with nine points, eight digs, and six excellent receptions. Rose Doria-Aquino and Jackie Acuña had eight and seven points, respectively, with captain Gel Cayuna tossing 21 excellent sets on top of five points.
READ: PVL: Cignal offseason recruiting spree nets three more vets
Ishie Lalongisip talks about their win over Akari. #PVLonTour #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/JTylmIHAO4
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 22, 2025
Cignal eyes to sweep the Vigan, Ilocos Sur stop against Capital1 on Monday at 4 p.m.
Tied at 10-all to start the second set, Tiamzon and Santos ignited a 13-1 run for a 23-11 run. Rookie Erin Pangilinan checked in late in the frame and sealed the 2-0 advantage with a through-the-block kill.
In the opening set, Cignal squandered a 20-16 lead as Eli Soyud powered Akari to cut it down to one, 23-22, after the team’s floor touch challenge on her attack was deemed successful.
Soyud, however, committed an attack error that sent the HD Spikers at set point, 24-22. Soltones saved a point before Santos drilled a massive cross-court kill to draw the first blood.
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Soyud and Soltones led Akari with 12 and 11 points, respectively, while Lacsina had nine points and 10 receptions in a losing cause as they try to bounce back against Creamline on Monday at 6:30 p.m.
Akari deputy coach Eddieson Orcullo called the shots for the Chargers after new tactician Tina Salak missed the trip to attend to personal matters.
Alas Pilipinas players Fifi Sharma and Justine Jazareno along with Faith Nisperos and Erika Raagas did not play.