Scorching Santos Strikes Again as Cignal Storms into Semis, Shuts Down Akari’s Dream Run...Read More…
August 7, 2025 — Manila, Philippines
In a dazzling display of power, poise, and precision, Cignal HD Spikers punched their ticket to the semifinals with a commanding victory over the Akari Chargers on Wednesday night. Spearheaded by the red-hot performance of team captain Ces Molina Santos, the HD Spikers extended their fiery winning streak, leaving Akari stunned and eliminated in a thrilling knockout quarterfinal clash of the 2025 PVL Invitational Conference.
The final scoreline read 25-21, 25-18, 23-25, 25-20 — a testament to Cignal’s dominance with brief flashes of resistance from the gritty Chargers. But when the dust settled, it was Santos and her crew who stood tall, their eyes firmly set on a championship run.
Santos on Fire: The Heartbeat of Cignal
Ces Molina Santos, who has consistently been Cignal’s top performer this season, once again stole the spotlight with her unstoppable offense and unshakable leadership. Racking up 21 points — 18 coming from powerful spikes and 3 from aces — Santos proved why she is considered one of the most dangerous wing spikers in the country today.
“She plays with fire, every single set,” said Cignal head coach Shaq delos Santos, who praised his captain’s consistency and grit. “Ces brings not just the numbers, but the energy. When she gets going, the whole team rides her momentum.”
Her performance was especially crucial in the opening two sets, where Cignal quickly imposed their pace. With quick transitions, strong first-ball receptions, and Santos slamming through Akari’s blockers with ease, the HD Spikers built an early cushion that the Chargers could not recover from.
Team Effort Backing the Blaze
But this was not a one-woman show. Support poured in from the rest of the Cignal lineup. Middle blocker Roselyn Doria delivered crucial quick kills and blocks, while setter Gel Cayuna orchestrated the offense with her signature smooth ball distribution. Jovelyn Gonzaga contributed in both the front and back rows, constantly applying pressure and stabilizing Cignal’s floor defense.
“Everybody stepped up today. That’s what makes this win so satisfying,” said Gonzaga. “We’ve been building chemistry all season, and it’s starting to show at just the right time.”
Defensively, Cignal was sharp and compact. Libero Jheck Dionela was relentless in digging up Akari’s attacks, keeping rallies alive and allowing her team to reset plays with ease.
Akari Fights but Falls Short
Akari, for their part, did not go down without a fight. After being outplayed in the first two sets, the Chargers staged a remarkable comeback in the third. Backed by strong showings from Faith Nisperos and Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Akari clawed their way to a 25-23 set win, keeping their semifinal hopes alive.
Nisperos tallied 16 points, while Santiago-Manabat added 14. Their efforts, however, were stymied by inconsistent passing and a breakdown in communication during crucial stretches of the match. Akari’s attempt to force a fifth set ultimately fell flat as Cignal regained its composure and took control in the fourth, thanks again to the unstoppable Santos.
“We gave it our all, but Cignal just had more rhythm and firepower,” said Akari head coach Jorge Souza de Brito. “Still, I’m proud of how far this young team has come. This is only the beginning.”
Looking Ahead: A Dangerous Cignal Team in the Semis
With the win, Cignal now advances to the semifinals, where they are expected to face either the defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers or the equally dangerous Choco Mucho Flying Titans — both matches that promise fireworks.
“We’re not satisfied yet,” said Santos after the match. “We came here with one goal — to bring home the title. This is just another step closer.”
Cignal’s rise this season has been nothing short of sensational. After a slow start in the early part of the conference, the team has found its groove at the most critical time. Now riding a four-game win streak, they look more cohesive, more confident, and more dangerous than ever.
With Santos playing at an MVP level and a deep roster of contributors behind her, Cignal is peaking at the right moment — and their opponents would do well to take notice.
A Changing of the Guard?
Akari’s exit, while disappointing, is not the end of the road for the team. With a young core and a growing fanbase, the Chargers have made notable strides this season. Their upset of Petro Gazz in the eliminations and their close battles against the league’s top teams show that they’re no longer pushovers.
“We’re building something,” said Nisperos. “This loss hurts, but it will fuel us. Next year, we’ll be back stronger.”
Final Score:
- Set 1: 25-21 (Cignal)
- Set 2: 25-18 (Cignal)
- Set 3: 23-25 (Akari)
- Set 4: 25-20 (Cignal)
Cignal now prepares for their semifinal bout, with momentum and belief firmly on their side — thanks in large part to their flaming spearhead, Ces Molina Santos, who once again proved that when she’s on fire, there’s no stopping the HD Spikers.
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