Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos likes what he’s seeing from his HD Spikers in the PVL on Tour.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — The new-look Cignal HD Spikers believe they’ve come a long way after making the semifinals in the PVL on Tour, even if it’s just the preseason tournament.
After an exodus of players and missing out on the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference playoffs, Cignal continues to make waves behind Erika Santos.
READ: PVL on Tour: Cignal headed to semifinals after ousting Akari
Santos, Cignal’s new opposite spiker, has emerged as the top scorer and spiker in the preseason.
“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,” said Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos in Filipino after sweeping Akari, 25-20, 25-11, 28-26, last Thursday’s quarterfinals.
“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’re doing. That’s why this moment means so much.”
Cignal eyes a return to the PVL finals when it faces Chery Tiggo in a knockout semifinal game on Tuesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
READ: PVL on Tour: Erika Santos drops 30 as Cignal books quarterfinal spot
Delos Santos believes the team’s patience paid off from being a No. 3 team that got upset in the All-Filipino qualifying round to picking up the right pieces in the preseason by signing Santos, Tin Tiamzon, and Heather Guino-o to team up with holdovers Gel Cayuna, Ishie Lalongisip, Jackie Acuña, and Rose Doria-Aquino sans Dawn Catindig and Vanie Gandler, who are with Alas.
“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,” said Delos Santos.
“We’re really thankful, first to management, and especially to our new team manager. Huge credit also goes to Coach Yani (Fernandez). We trust each other, and we’ve had so many heart-to-heart talks before making decisions for this team.”
Delos Santos added that the level of commitment of each member brought them back to the semis despite having a rebuilding roster.
READ: PVL: HD Spikers send strong ‘Cignal’ after dominating Cool Smashers
Captain setter Gel Cayuna said the HD Spikers also built their chemistry and character in practice as they won five of their six matches this preseason.
“I’m really proud of the team. Even during practice, we worked hard on staying composed, especially in tight games,” Cayuna said in Filipino. “I’m also thankful to our coaches for constantly reminding us of our strengths and how to use them on the court.”
Heading in the right direction, Cignal seeks to keep its momentum going.
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“We still have a lot to figure out and improve, but we’re proud of how far we’ve come. We see the direction we’re heading in, and we’re excited to keep working, investing in what still needs to be done,” Delos Santos said.