With improved communication and cohesion, Cignal is off to a strong start in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
The Super Spikers, who made only one offseason move while retaining their core, are now reaping the rewards of continuity, with their chemistry and familiarity showing in their early success in the all-local tournament.
After dispatching Galeries Tower on opening day, Cignal followed it up with a four-set triumph over Choco Mucho, 25-20, 16-25, 25-19, 25-18, securing back-to-back victories that propelled them to the top of the competitive 10-team field.
Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos said it feels rewarding to see their hard work over the past few months paying off early in the conference, adding that the team’s chemistry and focus have been key factors in their strong start.
“It feels good, of course. We worked really hard, and we continue to work very hard. I’m just happy that everything we trained for is showing in the game, and hopefully we will win more,” said Gandler, who finished with 16 points and eight excellent receptions.
“For me, mahalaga na nagkakaroon kami ng communication on and off the court, so ayun, naiintindihan namin yung bawat isa, and yun nga yung outcome—nagiging maganda kasi nga maganda yung pag-jell namin,” added Santos.
(C) PVL Images
Gandler noted that playing with the same set of players over the past year has allowed the Super Spikers to build trust and understanding on the court, making their teamwork smoother and their execution more effective this conference.
“It’s a big thing, of course. In volleyball, you really need to connect with each other and we always had the right players; we just need to know how to utilize each player, and I’m happy that slowly we’re getting there, and our connection definitely improved compared to last year,” said the Alas Pilipinas standout.
Cignal head coach Shaq delos Santos called their strong start a blessing and an inspiration, saying it reflects the hard work and dedication the team put in during the offseason.
But despite the early success, delos Santos stressed that it’s not enough, emphasizing that the team still needs to improve in certain areas to sustain their strong start throughout the conference.
“I think inspiration para sa amin ‘to para mas magtrabaho pa. Kami sobrang blessed and thankful sa dalawang panalo and mas magtatrabaho pa kami,” said the veteran coach.
“But ‘yun nga sabi ni Vanie, getting better naman pero not enough para dun sa mga susunod pa na games. Syempre mahaba ‘tong liga na ‘to. Hopefully, not ma-sustain eh, but mas mag-progress kami especially pagdating sa dulo.”
