Erika Santos erupts for 24 as Cignal sweeps Akari for semis berth

Erika Santos continued to shine as she led the HD Spikers to complete a 25-20, 25-11, 28-16 sweep against Akari and secure a slot in the semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour Thursday, August 7, at the Philsports Arena.

The former PLDT standout continues to shine as Cignal’s emerging go-to top scorer, firing 24 points in just three sets, 11 coming in the second set alone, to back up her career-high outing of 30 markers against ZUS Coffee last July 20.

“I’m just taking it as motivation. The sets, the reps, the trust they give me. I’ve started to really embrace all of it. And it made me realize, ‘Ah, so this is my role.’ So I’m owning it and using it to push myself,” said Santos in Filipino.

The 26-year-old Santos finished with 22 attacks on a 42 percent attack rate.

“I didn’t even realize it was straight points. I was just focused, whatever kind of set Ate Gel gives me, I just go for the hit. Whatever she gives, I go for it. I’m really thankful because she trusts me,” Santos added, who also registered two blocks and six excellent digs.

Team captain Gel Cayuna dished out 18 excellent sets to lead the offense, while Rose Doria-Aquino contributed 10 points. Libero Buding Duremdes anchored the defense with 20 excellent digs as the HD Spikers marked their return from an 18-day layoff with a decisive win.

For Akari, Eli Soyud top-scored with 13 markers, while Ced Domingo added 11, most of them coming during the Chargers’ spirited fightback in the third set that ultimately fell short. 

The semis picture will be finalized on Saturday, August 9, at the PhilSports Arena, with Nxled and Chery Tiggo colliding at 4:00 p.m., followed by the Creamline–Farm Fresh showdown at 6:30 p.m.