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Category: Volleyball

  • NU Lady Bulldogs set stage for familiar Finals clash with DLSU Lady Spikers

    NU Lady Bulldogs set stage for familiar Finals clash with DLSU Lady Spikers

    Big teams find their identity in pressure moments—and National University proved once again why it thrives in them.


    With their title defense hanging in the balance, the NU Lady Bulldogs absorbed an early blow before flipping the script on the UST Golden Tigresses, carving out a hard-earned 19-25, 26-24, 26-24, 25-21 victory in the UAAP Season 88 stepladder semifinals at the Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The win does more than extend NU’s campaign—it revives a rivalry that has come to define this era of women’s volleyball. 

     

    For the fourth time in the last five years, the Lady Bulldogs will face the unbeaten DLSU Lady Spikers in the Finals.

     

    After dropping the opening set, the Lady Bulldogs found themselves repeatedly pushed to the edge by a determined UST side. Yet every time the Golden Tigresses threatened to pull away, NU responded with resolve.

     

    Arah Panique emerged as the spark in the most critical stretches. With NU trailing 16-19 in the second set, she teamed up with Vange Alinsug to engineer a 10-5 turnaround that not only stole the frame, 26-24, but shifted the match’s momentum.

     

    The third set followed a familiar script. Down 20-22, NU once again leaned on Panique, who powered a 6-2 closing run to secure another razor-thin 26-24 escape and put the defending champions ahead.

     

    UST refused to fold, surging to an 18-14 lead in the fourth set in a last push to extend the match. But just when the Tigresses sensed a decider, Alinsug ignited NU’s final charge—scoring five key points in an 11-3 blitz that slammed the door shut on UST’s season.

     

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    Behind the scoring runs was the steady orchestration of playmaker Lams Lamina, who dictated NU’s offense with 34 excellent sets while adding three points of her own. Her composure under pressure earned her Player of the Game honors.

     

    “Very happy kasi lahat kami pinagtrabahuan talaga ‘yung win na ito. Crucial game siya, do-or-die, kaya sobrang happy ako sa performance ng team,” Lamina said.

     

    Panique finished with 23 points, while Alinsug contributed 18 points along with 16 receptions and seven digs in a complete all-around effort. Alexa Mata added 10 points, highlighted by five attacks, four blocks, and an ace—each contribution part of a collective stand that defined NU’s comeback.

     

    For UST, the loss marked the end of a gritty campaign. Regina Jurado led the Tigresses with 19 points and 12 digs, while Angge Poyos filled the stat sheet with 16 points, 13 receptions, and 10 digs.

     

    In what may have been her final collegiate appearance, team captain and libero Detdet Pepito anchored UST’s defense with 23 digs and eight receptions, embodying the fight that kept the Tigresses competitive until the end.

     

    With the semifinals behind them, NU now turns its focus to a bigger stage—and a familiar foe. Game 1 of the best-of-three Finals against La Salle is set for May 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

     

    The Lady Bulldogs will carry with them not just momentum, but a reminder of who they are when pushed to the brink—a team that doesn’t just survive pressure, but transforms it into opportunity.

     

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  • Brooke Van Sickle and Alohi Robins-Hardy find home in Candon at PVL All-Star Showcase

    Brooke Van Sickle and Alohi Robins-Hardy find home in Candon at PVL All-Star Showcase

    The scoreboard told one story, but for Brooke Van Sickle and Alohi Robins-Hardy, the weekend in Ilocos Sur was about something deeper than volleyball.


    Team Hustle fell short against Team Heart, 25-18, 18-25, 25-23, 25-17, in the much-anticipated return of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Star Game at Candon City Arena. 

     

    Yet beyond the four-set battle led by MVP Bella Belen, the event became a meaningful homecoming of sorts for the Filipino-Hawaiian standouts—one defined by culture, connection, and community.

     

    Van Sickle, who chipped in 11 points off the bench, found herself soaking in every moment—not just as a competitor, but as someone rediscovering her roots.

     

    “Just having the crowd and the energy, and just seeing the players having fun, like loose, having officials join the game and it was just good, enjoyable volleyball, and all the teammates that I didn’t know, it’s so fun,” the three-time PVL MVP said.

     

    “I was like telling Alohi, as the game is going on, my cheeks are hurting so much just from smiling so much. It’s a good experience and eye-opening to be able to see and understand the players even more.”

     

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    The smiles didn’t stop at the court. With family members in the stands—especially with ties tracing back to San Emilio—Van Sickle embraced the rare chance to play not just in front of fans, but in front of her roots.

     

    “My pamilya, they came to support, they always come to support. It’s always nice to have family ties and everything so that’s also why I love coming here. It’s volleyball and everyone and they’re super excited to watch me, so again, the hospitality we’re always welcome here so it’s amazing,” she shared.

     

    For Robins-Hardy, the experience unfolded in quieter but equally meaningful ways. The Farm Fresh rookie setter relished her time alongside Van Sickle, bonding over shared heritage while also immersing herself in Ilocano culture—especially through its food during their three-day stay in Candon.

     

    But perhaps the most lasting impact of the trip came away from the bright lights of the arena.

    For Van Sickle, participating in a tree-planting activity at the EcoPark became the defining memory of her first All-Star appearance—an unexpected highlight that reshaped what the event meant to her.

     

    “My best experience being in here is the planting of trees. It’s my first time doing it. It’s also nice to see that people are always giving back to the community and that’s the normalized thing here, so it’s really awesome to see, one step at a time, one tree at a time, and doing things for the planet. So we’re doing great things here.” Van Sickle said. 

     

    “It’s like awesome to be able to get outside and smell fresh air and the birds, so it’s always good. Love the province life.”

     

    In the end, the All-Star Game became less about which team won and more about what the players gained. For Van Sickle and Robins-Hardy, it was a reminder that volleyball can be a bridge—not just between teammates, but between identity, heritage, and the communities that welcome them home.

     

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  • Bella Belen shines in All-Star MVP night, credits veterans for lessons learned

    Bella Belen shines in All-Star MVP night, credits veterans for lessons learned

    The spotlight followed Bella Belen all night—but she spent most of it looking outward, not inward.

     

    Fresh off an MVP performance in the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase, Belen delivered the kind of showing that typically signals arrival. She powered Team Heart to a four-set win over Team Passion, 25-18, 18-25, 25-23, 25-17, inside a packed Candon City Arena, sharing the court—and the moment—with some of the biggest names in the league.

     

    Yet even as she stood at center stage, Belen resisted the idea that the moment was about her.

     

    “Parang siyempre po as a rookie, hindi ko nilalagay sarili ko po sa ganoong bagay. Marami pa akong dapat matutunan from them,” she said.

     

    That mindset framed her performance in a different light. Instead of a breakthrough, it felt more like a checkpoint—a sign that she can compete at the highest level, but still sees distance between where she is and where she wants to be.

     

    Playing alongside veterans like Alyssa Valdez, Jia De Guzman, and Jema Galanza offered Belen something numbers and awards cannot measure. It gave her a closer look at the nuances that separate experience from potential.

     

    “Kahit na medyo nakakasabay sa skills, iba pa rin ‘yung binibigay nila pagdating sa loob ng game,” she said. “Kumbaga ‘yung pagiging veterans nila, nakikita talaga namin—lalo na ako.”

     

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    For a player who has already made waves as a Rookie of the Conference, that perspective is telling. Belen isn’t chasing validation—she’s chasing understanding. The All-Star setting, usually built for spectacle, became something more personal: a learning space.

     

    “Marami akong natutunan mula sa kanila, kaya I’m very happy to be part of Team Heart,” she added.

     

    Beyond the match itself, the experience stretched into something bigger than competition. The event brought players closer not just to each other, but to the fans who filled the arena, turning the showcase into a shared celebration.

     

    “Masaya po kami kasi nakapag-interact kami with the fans. Parang sa part namin, mas nakakatuwa makita ‘yung fans nag-eenjoy,” Belen shared.

     

    In a night designed to highlight stars, Belen stood out—but not because she demanded the spotlight. Instead, she embraced the moment as part of a larger journey, one where growth matters more than recognition.

     

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  • Reminiscing Cignal’s steady rise in the PVL following the team’s departure from the league 

    Reminiscing Cignal’s steady rise in the PVL following the team’s departure from the league 

    The journey of the Cignal Super Spikers in the Premier Volleyball League was never about instant success. Instead, it was built on steady improvement, patience, and a group that kept finding ways to stay competitive year after year.

     

    Cignal entered the league in 2021 as the HD Spikers, bringing in a mix of veterans and emerging players under head coach Shaq Delos Santos. Led by experienced names like Rachel Anne Daquis and Jheck Dionela, the team quickly showed it could keep up with more established squads. While they did not contend for a title right away, they laid down a solid foundation.

     

    That foundation paid off in 2022 when Cignal reached its first Finals appearance in the Reinforced Conference. Behind import Tai Bierria, the team made a strong run before finishing as runner-up to Petro Gazz. Even in defeat, it was a sign that the team was moving in the right direction.

     

    In 2023, the spotlight shifted to individual excellence as Ces Molina stepped up with an MVP performance in the Invitational Conference. Her scoring surge showed that Cignal had players capable of leading the way in big moments.

     

    From 2023 to 2024, the HD Spikers became a regular presence near the top of the standings. They consistently finished on the podium and remained a tough team to beat, regardless of roster changes. Different combinations came and went, but the team’s identity stayed the same, guided by its “Happiness, Cignal!” culture.

     

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    New faces also emerged during this stretch. Erika Santos made an immediate impact after joining the team, showing her scoring ability in the PVL on Tour. At the same time, the team transitioned into a new era, rebranding as the Super Spikers ahead of the 2025 season.

     

    Despite the changes, Cignal remained steady. Gel Cayuna continued to lead the offense as one of the league’s top setters, while Dawn Macandili-Catindig anchored the defense. Jackie Acuña also added strength at the net, helping the team stay competitive in every conference.

     

    The biggest breakthrough came in 2026 when Cignal reached its first PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals. The team earned its spot by beating strong opponents like Farm Fresh and Creamline in the semifinals. Although they fell short in the championship series, the Finals appearance marked an important step forward.

     

    Leading that run was Vanie Gandler, who delivered an MVP season and became one of the league’s top players. Her all-around performance reflected how far both she and the team had come.

     

    In just five years, Cignal grew from a new team into a consistent contender. While their leave of absence puts that progress on hold, their run showed what steady development and a strong core can achieve in the PVL.

     

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  • NU, UST clash for finals berth in UAAP Season 88 volleyball Final Four showdown 

    NU, UST clash for finals berth in UAAP Season 88 volleyball Final Four showdown 

    A Finals ticket is on the line as National University Lady Bulldogs and UST Golden Tigresses collide in a high-stakes stepladder semifinal in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament.

     

    With top-seeded La Salle already waiting in the championship round, this matchup serves as the final hurdle—and it promises to be anything but straightforward. The winner advances to the Finals, while the loser sees its campaign come to an abrupt end in the single-elimination phase.

     

    NU enters the clash with a key advantage: rest and stability. The Lady Bulldogs secured the No. 2 seed after the elimination round, allowing them to skip the earlier knockout phase and prepare specifically for this do-or-die encounter. Known for their structured system and depth, NU has consistently been one of the league’s benchmark programs, with a history of sustained success in UAAP volleyball.

     

    On the other side, UST comes in battle-tested.

     

    The Golden Tigresses are riding a surge of momentum after surviving back-to-back elimination games just to reach this stage. They first secured their Final Four spot through a playoff win, then dismantled Adamson in straight sets in the stepladder opener behind the strong performances of Angge Poyos and Detdet Pepito.

     

    That stretch has revealed a different version of UST—one that has embraced urgency and cohesion at the most critical point of the season.

     

    Their recent form suggests a team peaking at the right time, with improved communication, defensive discipline, and balanced scoring. However, they now face a tougher challenge in NU, a squad that has already proven capable of beating them earlier in the season, including a reverse sweep that highlighted the Bulldogs’ composure under pressure.

     

    For NU, the focus will be on imposing its system early—controlling tempo, maximizing its height advantage, and limiting UST’s rhythm on offense. The Lady Bulldogs have thrived on consistency all season, and in a one-game scenario, that identity becomes even more crucial.

     

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    UST, meanwhile, leans on momentum and confidence. Having already played in high-pressure situations over the past week, the Tigresses bring a level of sharpness and urgency that could offset NU’s rest advantage. Their ability to extend rallies and capitalize on defensive stops could be key in disrupting NU’s flow.

     

    Beyond tactics, the match also carries a deeper narrative.

    It’s a clash between a program accustomed to contending and a team trying to break through. NU represents stability and sustained excellence, while UST embodies resilience and late-season growth.

     

    In a format where there are no second chances, that contrast makes the matchup even more compelling.

     

    One team will move one step closer to the title. The other will be left wondering what could have been.

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez and Bella Belen share the spotlight in dream PVL All-Star team-up

    Alyssa Valdez and Bella Belen share the spotlight in dream PVL All-Star team-up

    In a league built on rivalries, Friday’s PVL All-Star Showcase offers something the fans rarely get to see—former opponents suddenly wearing the same colors.

     

    For Alyssa Valdez, the moment feels less about spectacle and more about curiosity. The Creamline star is used to facing the league’s rising talents from across the net. This time, she’ll be sharing the floor with them.

     

    “It’s my first time to play with Bella and Vanie,” Valdez said. “It’s nice na maka-team ‘yung mga iniidolo ng kabataan ngayon. Gusto ko rin makita kung paano sila mag-prepare, ‘yung mga little things. Nakaka-inspire rin sa akin.”

     

    In Team Heart, that curiosity turns into collaboration. What used to be scouting opponents becomes a chance to learn directly from them—small habits, preparation routines, and the subtle details that often decide matches.

     

    For Bella Belen, the feeling goes both ways. The Capital1 standout has spent much of her early PVL career competing against established stars like Valdez. Now, she gets a front-row seat as a teammate instead of an adversary.

     

    “‘Yun talaga ‘yung nilu-look forward ko—makalaro ‘yung hindi ko pa naging teammates,” she said. “Excited lang din ako kasi iba ‘yung team composition, iba ‘yung magkaka-team.”

     

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    There’s even a playful edge to the new pairing. With a mix of personalities and playing styles coming together, Belen admitted there’s been lighthearted talk of switching things up on the court.

    “Nagbibiro nga kami na baka mag-change kami ng position para masaya,” she added.

     

    But beneath the smiles and exhibition atmosphere, both players are clear-eyed about one thing: competition doesn’t disappear just because the stakes are different.

     

    “At the end of the day, we’re all athletes,” Valdez said. “Hindi mawawala ‘yung competitiveness. Lalabas at lalabas ‘yung gusto manalo.”

     

    “Feeling ko lalabas din talaga ‘yan,” Belen echoed. “Siguro fun sa simula, pero kapag malapit na, lalabas din ‘yung pagiging competitive.”

     

    That blend of respect and rivalry is what makes the matchup compelling.

     

    For one night, Valdez and Belen aren’t symbols of different eras—they’re teammates sharing the same goal, if only briefly. And in a league constantly defined by competition, even a short crossover like this feels like a preview of volleyball’s evolving future.

     

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  • Brooke Van Sickle finds home in Ilocos as All-Star Weekend becomes personal 

    Brooke Van Sickle finds home in Ilocos as All-Star Weekend becomes personal 

    For Brooke Van Sickle, the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase isn’t just another event—it’s a reminder of how far she’s come, and how close she now feels to home.

     

    Long before stepping onto the bright stage of the Premier Volleyball League, Van Sickle spent most of her life in the United States. But this week in Candon City, the journey feels full circle.

     

    “Yeah, I’m really happy, you know, super grateful to be able to just go around Ilocos Sur a little bit more in the Candon area, just to be able to see the area more than when we would come with PVL for games,” said the Nxled star, who hails from nearby San Emilio.

     

    This time, it wasn’t just about volleyball.

     

    Instead of the usual in-and-out game schedule, Van Sickle and fellow All-Stars slowed things down—sharing a welcome dinner, exploring the city, and even planting trees at the local Ecopark. It’s a side of the sport she rarely gets to experience, but one that has quietly deepened her connection to the country.

     

    “It’s a little hard to fit in extracurricular activities. So it’s been really exciting and really fun to be able to plant the trees, just see the Eco Park a lot. It’s really beautiful out here. So just all good experiences.”

     

    While the setting feels familiar, the stage still brings something new.

     

    Despite already being a three-time league MVP, Van Sickle is stepping into uncharted territory with her first-ever All-Star appearance—an experience she admits comes with a mix of excitement and nerves.

     

    “Yeah, I’m just really excited. I mean, I’m a little nervous. I don’t know what to expect because I’ve never been a part of any All-Star event like this before,” said Van Sickle, who is part of Team Hustle as a reserve. “So I’m just really excited to be surrounded by such good athletes and just wonderful people.”

     

    But beyond the competition, what stands out most is the shift in environment.

     

    Rivalries are set aside, replaced by shared moments and new connections. For Van Sickle, it’s a rare chance to see fellow players beyond the intensity of matches—to understand them not just as opponents, but as peers.

     

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    “It’s cool to get to know everybody slowly and everything. So yeah, I’m really excited just for good volleyball and I hope the fans enjoy it too and this is a good experience for everybody,” she added.

    Her return to Ilocos Sur also carries a quieter, more personal meaning.

     

    “It still feels awesome. Like, I know the first time I was here, it was just trying to grasp like, oh, I’m finally here,” she said, recalling her previous visit during the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference.

     

    “It feels right. It’s really good to be out of the city. I’m not really a city girl. I’m more like a province, nature girl.”

     

    This time, the experience becomes even more special with family set to watch her play—adding another layer to a week already filled with meaning.

     

    “They’re going to come to the game tomorrow. So I’m really excited to spend time with them and just get to know Candon a little bit more.”

     

    Now in her second year in the Philippines, Van Sickle’s journey has evolved from adjustment to belonging.

     

    What started as an opportunity has turned into something more permanent, something personal.

    “Yeah, I mean, obviously, coming to events like this is very helpful in my personal growth and everything and just, like, eye-opening for me. And obviously, anything I go to is always a wonderful experience and I’m really grateful to be here. And yeah, it’s slowly, it’s been a really great experience these past two years,” said Van Sickle.

     

    “And I’m finally, like, coming to a place where I’m, like, this is home for me. Like, it’s, like, I get it, like, okay, I’m from Hawaii and everything, but I see this as home. Like, okay, like, that’s, like, vacation for me now is going to Hawaii. So, like, it’s really great to be here and just, you know, I’m loving life and just super grateful for everything and just, yeah, I’m just super happy all the time. Yeah.”

     

    In a weekend built around stars, stats, and spectacle, Van Sickle’s story stands out for a different reason.

     

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  • Where Cignal MVPs Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos Fit Best: New Homes Could Decide PVL’s Next Power Shift 

    Where Cignal MVPs Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos Fit Best: New Homes Could Decide PVL’s Next Power Shift 

    Cignal’s exit didn’t just open the market—it dropped two of the PVL’s most productive scorers into a league hungry for balance.

     

    Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos now enter free agency not just with reputation, but with numbers that validate their impact.

     

    Gandler finished sixth in scoring in the recent conference with 166 points, while Santos wasn’t far behind at eighth with 139. But the separation between them becomes clearer in efficiency. Santos ranked third in spiking with an impressive 37.74% success rate, highlighting her ability to convert under pressure, while Gandler placed ninth at 31.60%—still solid, but more reflective of her all-around role rather than pure finishing.

     

    That contrast is exactly why their next destinations matter.

     

    Santos has already proven she can be the answer to a specific need. When Cignal acquired her from PLDT, it was to fill a void at opposite spiker—a role that demands consistent scoring and the ability to carry offensive load. She delivered, and now finds herself in a similar position league-wide: a solution waiting for the right system.

     

    One team that stands out is Capital1.

     

    With rising star Bella Belen continuing to ascend, the addition of Santos could instantly give the squad one of the most dangerous scoring duos in the league. Belen has even teased fans about a potential team-up with former Cignal players, adding intrigue to the possibility. 

     

    If that pairing materializes, it wouldn’t just be exciting—it would be functional. Belen’s versatility combined with Santos’ efficiency could finally give Capital1 the firepower it has been missing in tight matches, potentially pushing them over the hump.

     

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    Gandler’s value, meanwhile, lies in how seamlessly she can elevate a system.

     

    There have been whispers of Creamline targeting the reigning PVL MVP, which on paper feels like a natural move. But the bigger question is whether adding another star to an already stacked roster creates dominance—or redundancy.

     

    A more transformative landing spot could be Farm Fresh.

     

    With Trisha Tubu already established as a primary scorer at the outside, Farm Fresh doesn’t necessarily need another volume scorer—they need stability and another layer of reliability. That’s where Gandler fits perfectly. Her sixth-place scoring finish shows she can produce, but her real strength lies in her ability to complement rather than compete within a system.

     

    Farm Fresh has already shown flashes as a playoff-caliber team. Adding Gandler could be the move that turns those flashes into sustained contention. The presence of an MVP-caliber player who can deliver in crucial stretches might be the exact difference between a semifinal exit and a Finals breakthrough.

     

    And that’s the bigger picture here.

     

    This isn’t just about two players finding new teams—it’s about how their specific strengths reshape the league. Santos offers efficiency and finishing, the kind that can anchor an offense. Gandler brings versatility and balance, the kind that can complete one.

     

    In a PVL landscape now defined by movement, the teams that win won’t just be the ones who sign stars.

     

    They’ll be the ones who understand exactly what kind of star they’re getting—and where that star fits best.

     

     

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  • “Hopefully, they find new teams if ever”: Shaq Delos Santos hopes Cignal players get a fresh start

    “Hopefully, they find new teams if ever”: Shaq Delos Santos hopes Cignal players get a fresh start

    For Shaq Delos Santos, the past weeks have felt like standing at two very different sidelines at once—one marked by silence, the other by urgency.


    The veteran coach, long credited for building the Premier Volleyball League contenders Cignal into a consistent powerhouse, now finds himself in an unexpected transition after the Super Spikers’ leave of absence from the league. 

     

    What could have been a period of professional limbo has instead turned into a different kind of responsibility, guiding the UAAP campaign of the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses deeper into Season 88.

     

    The timing is emotionally complex. Cignal had just come off a runner-up finish in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference, falling to the Creamline Cool Smashers in the finals, before the sudden pause in their PVL participation. 

     

    For Delos Santos, who helped shape the team into a perennial podium threat, the shift carried both pride in what was built and uncertainty about what comes next.

     

    “Especially ako, nanghihinayang ako dahil parang for how many years ko sa Cignal, medyo ito yung nangyari. But I think lahat naman may purpose and may reason kung bakit nangyari ito. Siguro, tuloy-tuloy lang and I am sure magiging okay din ang lahat,” Delos Santos said.

     

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    Rather than framing the situation as an ending, Delos Santos has treated it as a pause in a longer narrative. His years with Cignal produced standout talents like AFC MVP Vanie Gandler and national team mainstay Erika Santos, achievements he now reflects on with both fulfillment and a sense of unfinished business.

     

    “Siyempre, sobrang laki ng utang na loob ko sa Cignal. Grabe yung opportunity na binigay nila sa akin. And yung respect na natanggap ko sa kanila, kasi all throughout, nandiyan sila — through ups and downs,” the 46-year-old veteran coach said.

     

    While his next PVL destination remains unclear, his focus has shifted to a more immediate battlefield which is UST’s stepladder run, where every match carries elimination pressure. 

     

    His current priority extends beyond tactics—he has also been actively helping ensure his former Cignal players remain visible to other teams as they search for new opportunities during the league break.

     

    “Siyempre, hopefully, magkaroon ng panibagong teams sila if ever. Ako rin, best effort sa mga kaibigan namin sa ibang teams kung ano ang puwede naming maitulong sa kanila. Siyempre, ayaw naman naming biglang mawawala yung trabaho nila kasi knowing them, pwedeng lumaban talaga,” Delos Santos said.

     

    As UST prepares for a crucial stepladder semifinal clash against National University, Delos Santos has found himself coaching in a different emotional rhythm—less about building a long-term club identity, and more about maximizing short-term survival and momentum.

     

    Still, the door is not closed on Cignal’s return and for Delos Santos, neither is his story with them.

    “Mabigat pa rin at nanghihinayang ako, pero lahat naman may purpose. At kung may opportunity, puwede. Bakit naman kami tatanggi, ‘di ba?” he said. 

     

    “Right now, nag-uusap-usap naman, pero sa ngayon, recover muna. Sa players, hopefully magkaroon sila ng panibagong team, if ever,” Delos Santos added.

     

    For now, his journey continues in motion—one program paused, another advancing—but both still very much shaped by the same coach learning to carry change without losing direction.

     

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  • Santos, Acuna, Gandler share emotional messages after Cignal’s withdrawal from PVL

    Santos, Acuna, Gandler share emotional messages after Cignal’s withdrawal from PVL

    Just as the Cignal Super Spikers appeared to be entering a new era following a breakthrough campaign, the franchise abruptly halted its momentum after announcing a leave of absence from the 2026 Premier Volleyball League.

     

    The decision comes only days after the Super Spikers completed a historic run to the Finals of the PVL 2026 All-Filipino Conference—the deepest postseason finish in franchise history. What was expected to be a springboard for sustained contention instead turned into an unexpected offseason development that immediately reshapes the league landscape and raises questions about the team’s long-term direction.

     

    In an official statement, the club confirmed the move was made after internal deliberations on its organizational direction.

     

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    “This is to officially announce that the Cignal Super Spikers – Women’s Volleyball Team has filed a Leave of Absence in the Premier Volleyball League. This difficult decision was taken under careful review of Cignal’s strategic direction,” the team said.

     

    No timetable has been provided for a possible return, leaving uncertainty surrounding both the players and coaching staff, as well as the competitive balance of a league that had just concluded one of its most closely contested seasons in recent memory.

     

    With Cignal stepping away, attention quickly shifts to the future of its roster. In the absence of a formal dispersal draft system in the PVL, rival teams are expected to aggressively pursue key talents in what could become a highly competitive free-agent market.

     

    Among the most coveted names is reigning All-Filipino Conference MVP Vanie Gandler, alongside standout contributors Erika Santos and Gel Cayuna, all of whom are expected to attract significant interest from clubs looking to strengthen their rosters ahead of the next PVL conference.

     

    Despite the uncertainty, several Cignal standouts took time to address the media, reflecting on their tenure with the franchise and expressing gratitude to management, teammates, and supporters.

    Santos spoke candidly about the emotional difficulty of the announcement while acknowledging her smooth transition into the team environment.

     

    “Hindi pa talaga nagsi-sink. Nasa stage pa ako na nagpo-process so siguro. Thankful ako kasi naipakita ko ‘yung true self ko sa kanila. Hindi ako nahirapang mag-adjust and ‘yung transition from my past team, tapos sila agad ‘yung nakasama ko. Sobrang okay sa feeling na mag-work ka and at the same time, may family ka and sisters. Sobrang thankful ako sa Cignal,” Santos said.

     

    Middle blocker Jackie Acuna also expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity provided by the franchise, crediting Cignal for giving her a platform despite limited collegiate exposure.

     

    “Sobrang grateful ako sa Cignal dahil nagbukas sila ng pinto kahit na hindi masyadong malaki ‘yung background ko ng college at ‘di ako masyadong nakapaglaro. Sila, sumugal sila kahit potential lang ‘yung dala ko. Magiging forever grateful ako sa Cignal,” Acuna added.

     

    Meanwhile, Gandler reflected on her growth within the program, highlighting the team-first culture that helped shape her into the league’s Most Valuable Player.

     

    “The best thing for me is them, the teammates that I met. They helped me become a better version of myself because everyone really had one goal. We wanted to grow, and we knew that to grow, we needed to be collaborative. It’s not really a competition, and we have to work together,” Gandler stated.

     

    Team captain Dawn Catindig, who joined Cignal following the disbandment of her former club F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in 2023, described the franchise as a second home while acknowledging the difficulty of moving forward.

     

    “For me naman na medyo matagal na sa pros, very important sa’kin ‘yung team culture sa susunod kong pupuntahan. I’m taking my time in my decision kasi ang hirap pa rin maka-move on kasi very fresh pa rin kaya I’m just taking my time,” Catindig stated.

     

    “We never expected that kind of news. Kahit na may rumors, very hopeful pa rin kami. But at the end of the day, it was a business decision, and we respect that. Alam naman namin na pinaglaban kami ng Cignal, and we have to go on our own ways,” she added.

     

    Before potentially fielding offers from other PVL clubs, the Cignal players are set to reunite one final time in competition at the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase. Santos, Catindig, and Gandler will suit up for Team Heart, while Acuna will represent Team Hustle in what could serve as a symbolic final chapter of their time together under the Cignal banner.

     

     

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