SETTING ON FIRE
Behind the chemistry that Cignal has flaunted on its way to the top is a veteran who has held the team together for quite some time now.
Her name is Maria Angelica Cayuna, and teammates call her Gel.
It’s her nickname. It’s also what she helps her team do.
The Super Spikers’ bond shone anew, sticking together in the testiest moments of a 25-17, 26-24, 20-25, 30-28 victory over the Farm Fresh Foxies on Tuesday that kept Cignal on top of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
“I think time has really tested us,” Cayuna said in Filipino after tossing 19 excellent sets and scoring part of her seven points in an extended fourth set that had fans at Mall of Asia Arena holding their breath. “We’ve been together for so long that we already know each other well. We know each other’s flaws, so it’s really about helping one another.”
That familiarity has kept the team on top of the standings with a 3-0 win-loss card—an early feel-good story for a club that stayed put during a wild offseason highlighted by major transfers.
“The first thing that came to mind was all the work we put in during training camp—it really showed in the game. Of course, we still had some lapses, and that’s what we’ll work on for the next game. I’m really thankful to everyone, especially for how we stayed together during crucial moments,” she added.
Shaq delos Santos coached Cayuna at Far Eastern U in the UAAP before hauling her to Cignal in 2022, and noting how she has grown since then as a leader.
That she could get her teammates to toe the line was a welcome surprise for the coach, who understands how much of an introvert Cayuna is.
“I think it’s her maturity as a setter. I don’t know exactly how big the improvement is, but I can see how she interacts with her teammates now. She’s really shy by nature, but she’s adjusted well,” said Delos Santos. “She analyzes the game better and understands what she needs to do, with the help of Vanie (Gandler) and her teammates.”
Cayuna, who emerged as one of the league’s best setters, is also eager to keep improving even her scoring touch. Tin Tiamzon may have sealed the win with a joust, but there was no denying Cayuna’s imprint on the game in terms of scoring.
“I’m happy that I was able to contribute a few points. Coach Shaq and I have been working on that in training, so they’re not surprised anymore when I score. I’ll keep studying what else I can add to my game,” she said.
Gandler, who just recovered from acute gastroenteritis, delivered 25 points and displayed a tremendous defensive effort with 15 excellent receptions and 14 digs.
The former Ateneo star said the team will need to reset as it prepares for a huge game against Nxled on Saturday. The Chameleons took the opposite road in the offseason, reloading their roster with the stars of disbanded champion Petro Gazz.
Nxled is also currently unbeaten after two games.
“Tomorrow is a new day,” said Gandler. “We focus on recovery, then it’s back to work.”
Erika Santos had 15 points, while Rose Doria-Aquino and Jackie Acuña added seven and six points, respectively.
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