Erika Santos of PLDT (right) goes against Isa Molde of Choco Mucho during the PVL All-Filipino Conference on Jan. 23, 2025. Santos will don the Cignal jersey in the next conference. (PVL photo)
After four seasons with PLDT, Erika Santos is taking the next step in her volleyball career. The 24-year-old opposite spiker has officially signed with the Cignal HD Spikers, gearing up for the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season.
A former standout from De La Salle University, Santos becomes the fourth free agent to join Cignal’s revamped roster, following the additions of Tin Tiamzon, Heather Guino-o, and Ethan Arce.
“I’m very thankful to Coach Shaq (Delos Santos) and the entire Cignal management,” said Santos. “I’m excited to bring the performance I had last season into this new chapter. I also hope to grow even more under our coaches and trainers here.”
“Even though it’s still a red uniform, this is a brand-new journey for me. I’m really looking forward to helping this team achieve its goal—winning the PVL championship.”
Cignal continues to bolster its squad around key players such as Alas Pilipinas stars Dawn Catindig and Vanie Gandler, along with rising talent Ishie Lalongisip.
Santos began her pro career in 2022 and became a reliable scorer for PLDT. She placed 17th overall in total points during the 2024–2025 All-Filipino Conference, tallying 161 points. Among opposite spikers, she ranked sixth in scoring and spiking efficiency, with a 32.84% success rate.
PVL Rookie Draft Application Deadline Nears
In other news, the deadline for applications to the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft is fast approaching. Aspiring players have until May 23 to submit their forms.
To apply, players must fill out the official draft application form available at http://pvl.ph/draft and email the completed form along with the required documents to draft@pvl.ph.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Must be female at birth, as certified by a Philippine Statistics Authority birth certificate.
- Must be at least 21 years old by December 31, 2025. However, those under 21 can apply if they’ve already earned a college degree.
- No collegiate playing experience or academic units are required.
- Filipino-foreign applicants must provide a valid Philippine passport or proof of release by the deadline.
- Players still active in collegiate leagues must submit an endorsement from their head coach or athletic director.
Qualified applicants will participate in a two-day Draft Combine set for May 30–31, where they’ll showcase their skills to PVL team coaches.
The final list of eligible draftees will be revealed on June 4, leading up to the much-anticipated PVL Rookie Draft on June 8.
