Super Spikers keep ‘brothers’ in mind, crush Highrisers
A day before the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, the Cignal Super Spikers heard the shocking announcement of their men’s team taking a leave of absence from the Spikers’ Turf.
Having always been close to its sibling squad, the PVL club was sad to see the nine-time Spikers’ Turf champions go.
“Of course, it was really sad and we were also shocked by the news. But for us, we had to focus on what we needed to do moving forward—what was more important at the moment and what we could do for Cignal,” said Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos in Filipino.
The Super Spikers did just that on opening day and swept the new-look Galeries Tower, 25-17, 25-14, 25-11, on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
“At the end of the day, we’re a family and we’re the ones here. The best thing we can do is show, through our performance, that Cignal’s investment in us is worth it,” Delos Santos said.
Tin Tiamzon, who came out of retirement last year to resume her pro career with Cignal, spearheaded the team’s strengthened resolve by showing she was worth the risk that the club took to bring her back to action during PVL on Tour last year.
Spoiled return
She fired six aces on top of 10 kills and two blocks to lead the Super Spikers to their first win with 18 points.
“You know, we’re given this opportunity to stay with Cignal and to give back to their investment. And of course, on the men’s team side, it was sad, but we won’t waste our opportunity,” Tiamzon said.
Cignal dominated Galeries with PVL on Tour MVP Erika Santos chipping in 13 points and Vanie Gandler adding 14.
“I guess when I first saw the news, I felt sad because we didn’t expect it. But we can’t dwell on things like that. Everything happens for a reason, so we took it as motivation. We’re inspired by what we have now, we won’t take it for granted and we’ll work even harder,” said Santos.
Cignal spoiled Galeries coach Aying Esteban’s return to the PVL. Erika Deloria, a former Chery Tiggo rookie, was the lone double-digit scorer for the Highrisers with 10 points. Aiza Maizo-Pontillas was limited to five points.
