VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR — Erika Santos wasted no time making herself at home with Cignal, delivering a stellar performance in the HD Spikers’ debut win over Akari to kick off the 2025 PVL On Tour on Sunday at the Chavit Coliseum here.
Making her first appearance in Cignal colors, Santos led the way in their commanding straight-set victory, 25-23, 25-14, 25-23, showcasing her offensive prowess and fitting right in with her new squad.
The former PLDT standout erupted for a game-high 14 points — all coming from attacks — as she took charge for a Cignal side that was playing without key players Dawn Catindig and Vanie Gandler and had undergone a major overhaul in the offseason.
Despite her strong debut, the 5-foot-9 opposite spiker stressed the importance of staying hungry and not letting up.
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“It feels like home. I mean, maganda ‘yong mga combination. Siyempre, nakaka-overwhelm kasi first game on tour tapos first game ko sa Cignal. Pero there’s no room for complacency. Uhaw pa matuto,” said Santos.
“Happy ako kasi ayun maayos ‘yung mga teammates, maayos ang coaches. Every time na mag-training may matututunan and hindi kami nag-stop para matuto and makinig kay coach,” she added.
Santos also revealed that playing alongside reigning Best Setter Gel Cayuna played a major role in her decision to sign with Cignal after her stint with the High Speed Hitters.
The 25-year-old product of De La Salle University praised Cayuna’s humility and leadership, sharing how her presence on the court has helped make her transition to the HD Spikers smoother.
“Sobrang okay kasi siya yung parang hindi mareklamo na setter. I mean, sa experience ko lang dito sa Cignal. Kahit na kami yung mali parang nagso-sorry pa siya, parang kami na yung mahihiya,” said Santos.
With her first game in the books, Santos is hopeful she can build on the strong start and continue contributing to Cignal’s campaign moving forward.
“So ayun, pahinga. So yun parang first game, thank God nanalo. So ayun, hindi pa kami magstop dito and magtutuloy-tuloy pa.”
#WATCH: Coach Shaq Delos Santos and Erika Santos share their thoughts after Cignal’s first win in the #PVLonTour 🏐
🎥 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/utnAAgVq3A
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) June 22, 2025
