The Cignal HD Spikers leaned on the growing connection between Gel Cayuna and Erika Santos to sweep the Akari Chargers and reach the PVL on Tour semifinals.
The connection between Gel Cayuna and Erika Santos continues to blossom in the PVL on Tour.
The tandem was on full display in Cignal HD Spikers’ quarterfinal win against the Akari Chargers, 25–20, 25–11, 28–26, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday, August 7.
Cayuna tallied 18 excellent sets, while Santos exploded for 24 points as the HD Spikers advanced to the semifinals of the preseason tilt.
“Sobrang proud ako kasi sa ensayo pa lang, grabe talaga namin aralin kung paano kami maging composed pagdating sa gitgitan na laban. ‘Yun, talagang kumapit ‘yung bawat isa kanina kaya nakuha namin, na-straight sets,” Cayuna said during the post-game press conference.
Santos, in particular, has been vital in Cignal’s success in the PVL on Tour after joining the team during the offseason.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Erika Santos bares reason for joining Cignal after PLDT departure]
From being a complementary piece, the former DLSU standout has become the HD Spikers’ go-to scorer.
“Tina-take ko lang siya as motivation kasi 'yung mga sets, 'yung mga repetitions, 'yung mga binibigay sa’kin na tiwala, parang ine-embrace ko na,” said Santos. “Nag-reflect din ako na, 'Ah ganito pala 'yung role.' So ine-embrace ko and tina-take ko as motivation.”
[ALSO READ: Erika Santos glad to see HD Spikers quickly learn from lapses ahead of PVL on Tour quarterfinals]
Meanwhile, Cayuna had nothing but praise for Santos, expecting their connection to continue to develop as they head towards the semifinals.
“Si Erika naman, magaan lang siya kasama doon sa loob ng court so ‘yung communication namin inside and outside the court kaya ‘yun nga, kapag may mga adjustments nag-uusap talaga kami,” said Cayuna. “Sobrang tiwala rin ako sa kanya kasi alam ko kung ano ‘yung strengths niya, kung ano ‘yung kaya niyang i-contribute sa team.”
“Looking forward pa sa lahat ng ia-adjust pa namin and sure ako na mas magiging okay pa ‘yung connection namin.”
The Cayuna-Santos tandem is expected to do even more damage as they await their semifinal opponent, which will either be the Nxled Chameleons or Chery Tiggo Crossovers.