For a while, Erika Santos thought she had finally found where she belonged.
After years of searching for stability and growth in the Premier Volleyball League, Santos’ move to Cignal last year felt like the perfect fit. It was with the HD Spikers where she evolved from a promising scorer into one of the league’s fastest-rising stars — a player trusted in the biggest moments and eventually recognized as one of the faces of the franchise.
Then suddenly, it ended. Just days removed from helping Cignal reach the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals, Santos found herself needing to process a reality she never really expected: the team that helped shape her breakout was stepping away from the league.
Now, she begins all over again. This time with Capital1 Solar Spikers.
“Honestly, it wasn’t an easy decision because I really had to process everything that happened,” Santos said.
“It wasn’t a small decision because I had already become attached to my teammates and to the system we had, so starting a new journey again is definitely challenging. But we’re here with Capital1.”
The timing of Cignal’s leave of absence made the transition even more emotional.
Santos had just completed the best stretch of her professional career, emerging as the league’s first-ever PVL On Tour MVP while establishing herself as one of the top opposite hitters in the country. Alongside Vanie Gandler, she helped power Cignal to its breakthrough All-Filipino Finals appearance and became one of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons.
Instead of building on that momentum with the same team, Santos suddenly had to start from scratch once more.
But if there is one thing making the adjustment easier, it is familiarity.
Not only does she remain teammates with Gandler, she now joins forces with reigning rookie sensation Bella Belen and veteran setter Jaja Maraguinot in what could become one of the most intriguing rebuilds in the PVL.
For Santos, however, the focus is not on headlines or expectations.
It is about helping transform Capital1 from an emerging club into a legitimate contender.
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“There are a lot of expectations and adjustments along the way. It won’t be easy, so we’ll really work hard. Vanie, Jaja (Maraguinot), and I will help Capital1 in any way we can so we can reach our goals and become a strong contender,” said Santos.
“The experience and momentum we’re bringing into this new team are also a big factor. The awards are just bonuses. What’s more important is sharing the experience and lessons that Vanie and I gained with this team.”
That shared experience may become Capital1’s biggest advantage.
Gandler and Santos already understand each other’s tendencies on the floor after carrying much of Cignal’s offense throughout the previous conference. Their chemistry was built through pressure-packed matches, deep playoff runs, and the responsibility of leading a contender.
Now, they hope to bring that same connection into a completely different environment.
“I’m also thankful because Vanie is still here. During the past conferences, we really had each other’s backs and shared the responsibilities together,” she said.
“That’s a huge thing because of the chemistry we already built inside and outside the court. We have open communication, and no matter what happens, I know we can always talk to each other properly.”
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