Santos sizzles as revamped Cignal torches Akari in PVL on Tour opener

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Don't need a star-studded lineup.

For the reinforced Cignal HD Spikers, it was Erika Santos who starred in their dominant start as they swept the Akari Chargers, 25-23, 25-14, 25-23, to kick off the 2025 PVL on Tour preseason at the Chavit Coliseum in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, June 22.

Despite parading a refreshed roster, Cignal played like a polished contender as Santos, a key offseason acquisition from PLDT, fired 14 points—all off kills—while returnee Tin Tiamzon chipped in 11 markers and 14 excellent receptions.

Cignal looked shaky late in the first set as Akari trimmed a 20-16 lead down to 23-22, but a successful floor touch challenge and a cross-court hammer from Santos sealed the opener, 25-23.

After a tight start in the second set at 10-all, Cignal uncorked a 13-1 run behind Tiamzon and Santos, pulling away to a 23-11 lead before rookie Erin Pangilinan capped the frame with a through-the-block hit, 25-14.

Trailing 18-19 in the third set, Cignal regrouped behind Santos’ back-to-back hits and a pair of Akari miscues before Tiamzon brought them to match point and a service error from the Chargers sealed the win in 93 minutes.

Rookie of the Year Ishie Lalongisip added nine points, eight digs, and six receptions, while veterans Rose Doria-Aquino and Jackie Acuña chipped in eight and seven markers, respectively.

Skipper Gel Cayuna commanded the offense with 21 excellent sets and scored five points of her own in a composed floor general performance.

Akari struggled without key players Fifi Sharma, Faith Nisperos, and Justine Jazareno, relying on Eli Soyud and Grethcel Soltones who combined for 23 points in a losing effort.

“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,” said Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos.

Cignal looks to sweep the Vigan stop against Capital1 on Monday, while Akari hopes to bounce back against defending champion Creamline.