Santos, Cignal fly high

MANILA, Philippines — Erika Santos is proving herself as a prized acquisition for Cignal.

Santos had a big moment yesterday with a killing spree that led the HD Spikers to a 25-20, 25-11, 28-26 victory over the Akari Chargers and straight to the Premier Volleyball League on Tour semifinals at the PhilSports Arena.

Santos, formerly of PLDT, drilled in a match-best 24 points including a bazooka-like kill that sealed the quarterfinal triumph and a ticket to the semis where they will face either Nxled or Chery Tiggo.

“I’m thankful to my teammates for their full trust in me,” said Santos, dominating with 22 kills.

And it was an emphatic effort for the whole club that is eyeing a first championship since joining the league four years ago.

Cignal actually came close to winning one, first in the 2022 Reinforced Conference and in last year’s Invitational but ended up short on both occasions.

With Santos as a lead force, the HD Spikers could be on course to finally hitting it big this time.

But Santos predicted an even match in the semis.

“Back to zero,” she said.

Battle-scarred setter Gel Cayuna had nothing but praises for Santos.

“Erika is easy to be with inside the court and we talked a lot about adjustments and I trust her a lot,” said Cayuna.

Already a formidable force with their all-Filipino core, PLDT looked even more lethal with the return of Fil-Canadian standout Savi Davison, delivering a convincing 25-21, 25-21, 25-19 sweep of ZUS Coffee to secure the second semifinal berth.