Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos confirmed that the team parted ways with import Eva Chantava as they ready to bring in their replacement for the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Shaq Delos Santos confirmed that the Cignal Super Spikers will be making an import switch in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference, parting ways with Greek import Eva Chantava.
Delos Santos admitted that parting ways with their import was not an easy decision, but it was one the team had to make as they look to stay in contention in the conference.
But even without an import, the Super Spikers pulled off a stunning sweep against the PLDT High Speed Hitters, 25-17, 25-22, 25-21, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday, October 21.
“Well, ‘yung nangyari, nagkaroon kami talaga ng matinding deliberation regarding dun bago mangyari ‘yung game na ito,” Delos Santos said during the post-game press conference. “Nag-decide na rin ‘yung management to part ways na lang po muna.”
“We’re so thankful rin kay Eva [Chantava] doon sa effort and ‘yung dedication na binigay niya sa amin.”
Replacement in the works
Chantava leaves Cignal after two games, failing to score a win and putting up just a total of 23 points.
While the Super Spikers have yet to officially announce their new foreign reinforcement, Delos Santos confirmed that the team is already working on securing a replacement.
“Well, may pina-process, may naasikaso, but hopefully, hopefully, maging okay siya,” he said. “For now, si team manager muna namin ‘yung nag-aasikaso.”
Building momentum after crucial win
Cignal’s victory against PLDT was not only a confidence booster but also a vital step toward staying alive in the playoff race.
[ALSO READ: Erika Santos banks on familiarity with former team PLDT to help import-less Cignal nab first win]
Delos Santos hopes the team can continue to rack up wins with three games left in their Pool A schedule.
“Siyempre malaking tulong sa amin ito dahil talagang ‘yun ang number one namin kailangan eh, manalo muna,” Delos Santos said. “Ito ‘yung mas magiging reason, mas maging eager kami na mag-perform pa, especially we have three games na lang, then papalit dun sa kabilang bracket, so mas magiging intense na rin ‘yung labanan.”
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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.