Greek spiker Eva Chantava is set to bolster the Cignal HD Spikers in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference, bringing her international experience and energy to fuel the team's championship bid.
The Cignal HD Spikers bolstered their arsenal ahead of the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference with the signing of Greek veteran Eva Chantava.
The 34-year-old Chantava has played professionally across Europe and Asia, suiting up for top clubs like Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, Lokomotiv Baku, Gunma Green Wings, and, most recently, Nakhon Ratchasima in Thailand.
Having showcased her skills during the 2024 AVC Women’s Champions League, held in Pasig City, Chantava has proven her complete skill set, which Cignal hopes can translate into a championship push.
Eva Chantava spikes the ball during Nakhon Ratchasima's 2024 AVC Women's Champions League campaign. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
She arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday, September 16, and joined practice right away.
“I really like the way the team is practicing. The coach practices very good. They are very much into details, so this is very important for a team to be successful and I'm very happy to be part of it,” Chantava said in an interview with Cignal’s media team.
For Chantava, the move to the Philippines is both a new challenge and an opportunity to win another title in her storied career.
The HD Spikers missed out on podium finishes in the PVL On Tour and Invitational Conference, but with Chantava on board, they aim to break through and bring home their first-ever PVL title.
The Greek spiker is expected to take on a leadership role on the wing, complementing the squad’s solid core of Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos, Gel Cayuna, and Dawn Macandili-Catindig.
“I know Cignal is one of the strongest teams in the Philippines, so I would like to help them win first place [championship],” she said.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.