CIGNAL paraded its retooled core with a 25-23, 25-14, 25-23 win over Akari to kickstart the 2025 PVL on Tour on Sunday at the Chavit Coliseum in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
READ: All you need to know about 2025 PVL on Tour
The HD Spikers shrugged off a near-meltdown in the first set from 20-16 up with a scoring rampage in the second set.
From 10-all early in Set 2, Cignal went on a 13-1 run courtesy of two of its newest aces in former PLDT winger Erika Santos and the returning Tin Tiamzon after a two-year volleyball hiatus.
A handful of the team’s latest acquisitions such as blocker-turned-spiker Erin Pangilinan, UAAP champion libero Pearl Denura and ex-Petro Gazz defender Ethan Arce also played quality minutes in the one-sided affair.
The red shirts managed to hold fort in a tighter third set to win their preseason opener, taking an early lead in a stacked Pool B which also features Creamline, Chery Tiggo, Capital1 and ZUS Coffee.
Cignal will close out their opening double-header in a 4 p.m. contest against Capital1 on Sunday, still in Vigan.
Red-hot Cignal start
Santos led the HD Spikers' frontline sans Alas Pilipinas winger Vanie Gandler with 14 attack points along with Tiamzon's 11 markers and 14 receptions.
Now that she's out of reigning PVL top scorer Savi Davison's shadows, the 25-year-old winger is eager to shine under much brighter lights as one of Cignal's main scoring weapons moving forward.
"Pinaghandaan naman namin 'to. Nakapag-connect at nakapag-jell naman kami agad at naging maayos 'yung outcome," Santos said.
"Same goal lang pero ibang team. Gusto ko lang talaga mag-grow as a volleyball player. Mag-aaral at hindi titigil dahil hindi naman 'to natatapos sa isang game," she added.
Entering her sophomore PVL campaign, Ishie Lalongisip delivered on both ends of the floor with nine points, eight digs and six receptions.
A new era for the Chargers without setter Mich Cobb and head coach Taka Minowa started flat, with mainstays Eli Soyud and Grethcel Soltones pacing the loss with 12 and 11 points each.
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