Now that the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference has come to a close, the spotlight has quickly shifted away from the court and toward Cignal’s uncertain future, raising a bigger question that now looms over the Super Spikers: What comes next for the program?
The Super Spikers, who bowed to the Creamline Cool Smashers in a hard-fought Finals series, are now at a crossroads amid lingering rumors and recent organizational changes — including the decision to fold its men’s team ahead of the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
Cignal may have fallen short of the ultimate prize, but head coach Shaq Delos Santos remained proud of the fight his wards showed in the championship round, even as Creamline completed a Finals sweep in Game 2, 25-23, 22-25, 25-16, 16-25, 15-11, on Thursday in front of 17,358 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Shortly after the awarding ceremony, Delos Santos addressed the growing uncertainty surrounding the team’s direction, laying out that discussions with management are expected to follow.
“Well, right now kailangan naming mag-celebrate muna para dito sa silver namin. Sobrang laking achievement para sa amin ito,” said Delos Santos.
“I think yung next is hintayin lang namin yung magiging advice sa amin ng management, for sure mag-uusap naman kami. Yun lang muna for now.”
The silver finish marked Cignal’s third runner-up placement in the PVL, adding to a collection that already includes five bronze medals. More importantly, it served as a strong response after the team missed the podium in the previous four conferences.
“Right now, hindi pa namin masabi kung ano yung mangyayari, but hintayin namin yung advice ng management. For sure may meeting naman kami and syempre hoping na kailangan makapagperform pa kami nang maayos,” added Delos Santos.
Despite the uncertainty, Cignal’s roster continued to show steady growth across the season, anchored by PVL On Tour MVP Erika Santos and newly crowned AFC MVP Vanie Gandler, who spearheaded the team’s offense throughout the conference.
Gel Cayuna also emerged as one of the league’s most reliable setters, while Dawn Catindig remains steady and elite in her specialized role.
For Delos Santos, the Finals run — regardless of the outcome — only strengthens the group’s resolve moving forward.
“Yung silver sobrang laking achievement para sa amin ito, and good thing, magiging strength pa namin ito para mag-improve,” said the veteran coach.
“Sobrang happy at nakaka-proud yung team kasi grabe yung pinagdaanan naming ups and downs. Sobrang daming challenges but ang sobrang na-appreciate ko ay talagang grabe yung effort ng mga bata.”
