The spark between Erika Santos and Gel Cayuna is quickly becoming one of the most potent weapons in the 2025 PVL On Tour—turning Cignal into a team no one wants to face when the stakes are highest.
For years, Santos toiled quietly in the shadows at PLDT, often overshadowed by bigger names and brighter spotlights. But at Cignal, the 27-year-old outside hitter has finally stepped into center stage, finishing the knockout round as the league’s top scorer and most efficient spiker.
Behind her breakout? A partnership forged in trust, timing, and quiet understanding—with no less than four-time PVL Best Setter of the Conference Gel Cayuna feeding her the perfect balls to unleash her full potential.
“Si Erika naman, magaan lang siya kasama doon sa loob ng court. So ‘yung communication namin inside and outside the court, kaya ‘yun nga, kapag may mga adjustments, nag-uusap talaga kami,” Cayuna shared, her calm demeanor reflecting the steadiness she brings to the floor.
That connection reached new heights Thursday night. In a quarterfinal showdown against Akari, Santos detonated for 11 points in the second set alone—matching the Chargers’ entire output in that frame. She finished with a game-high 24 markers to steer the HD Spikers to a 25-20, 25-11, 28-26 sweep in just one hour and 34 minutes.
“Hindi ko napansin na straight kasi kung ano hinahagis na set ni Ate Gel, palo lang ako. Kung ano binibigay... talagang parang thankful ako sa kanya kasi pinagtitiwalaan niya ako,” Santos said with a smile, the weight of her gratitude as clear as her dominance at the net.
Cayuna, who has orchestrated countless offenses throughout her career, knew right from the start that Santos had more to give than what the league had seen before.
“Ayun, sobrang tiwala rin ako sa kanya kasi alam ko kung ano ‘yung strengths niya, kung ano ‘yung kaya niyang i-contribute sa team. Looking forward pa sa lahat ng ia-adjust pa namin, and sure ako na mas magiging okay pa ‘yung connection namin,” said the former FEU playmaker.
On the sidelines, Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos could only beam with pride. For him, seeing two of his pillars click at the perfect moment is nothing short of a coach’s dream.
“We’re so thankful na nag-yes siya sa ’min, and we’re really happy na napunta siya sa Cignal,” he said, recalling the moment Santos chose to join the HD Spikers.
“Alam ko kasi kung ano pa ‘yung kaya niyang gawin—even before pa. Kaya sabi ko sa sarili ko, tutulungan ko siya at ibibigay ko ‘yung best ko, kung ano ‘yung binibigay ko kina Gel at sa buong team.”
