Erin Pangilinan embraced her versatile role and defensive responsibilities as the Cignal HD Spikers stunned the Creamline Cool Smashers in straight sets to stay unbeaten in the PVL on Tour.
Erin Pangilinan may not have filled the stat sheet, but her presence on the court was undeniable as Cignal stunned Creamline with a straight-sets win, 25-22, 25-18, 28-26, in the PVL on Tour on Tuesday, July 1, at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
The rookie tallied just three points, yet her hustle on defense, timely blocks, and overall versatility were instrumental in keeping the HD Spikers unbeaten at 3-0 and on top of Pool B.
“Ready ako na mag-contribute para sa team, any position,” Pangilinan said during the post-game press conference “Isa sa mga naging factor talaga 'yung preparation. Sobrang detailed kami sa bawat skill, para maging 100% kami.”
Pangilinan, a three-time UAAP champion with National University, was deployed as an opposite spiker during Cignal’s Vigan leg. This time, she returned to her natural middle blocker position, showcasing her adaptability once more.
But for Pangilinan, the toughest part hasn’t been the positional shift. It’s been adjusting to veteran setters Gel Cayuna and Gyzelle Sy under coach Shaq Delos Santos’ system.
“Iba 'yung set namin sa NU, iba rin 'yung kay Coach Shaq,” she explained. “Kaya malaking bagay 'yung open communication lalo na bago lang ako, tapos nag-switch pa ng posisyon. Kailangan talaga open sa feedbacks.”
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Selected 8th overall in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, Pangilinan understands the expectations that come with her role, and she’s embracing the challenge with a clear mindset.
“I think for me po pag nabibigyan ako ng challenge, opportunity siya para sakin kasi kaya ako kinuha sa draft kasi kailangan nila ako, so I have to perform kahit anong posisyon man yan,” she said.
“Parang ginusto ko ‘yung ganitong role, ginusto ko ‘yung ganitong posisyon, so ako, I have to be ready and kailangan talaga mag-peform ako 100% for the team.”