MANILA, Philippines — Veteran setter Maria Angelica “Gel” Cayuna proved once again why she is the heartbeat of the Cignal HD Spikers, leading her team to a nail-biting 25-17, 26-24, 20-25, 30-28 victory over the Farm Fresh Foxies on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
The win keeps Cignal at the top of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference standings with an unblemished 3-0 record, rewarding the club’s decision to maintain its core roster during a volatile offseason.
Game Performance
- Setting Masterclass: Cayuna tossed 19 excellent sets, effectively distributing the offense and keeping the Foxies’ defense off-balance.
- Scoring Threat: Beyond her playmaking, Cayuna contributed seven points, including crucial scores in the marathon fourth set. She credited head coach Shaq delos Santos for helping her develop a more aggressive offensive mindset.
- Veteran Stability: “We’ve been together for so long that we already know each other well… it’s really about helping one another,” Cayuna said, highlighting the team’s chemistry during high-pressure moments at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Coaching and Leadership Coach Shaq delos Santos, who has mentored Cayuna since her collegiate days at FEU, praised her growth as a leader. Despite her naturally shy personality, Delos Santos noted her increased maturity and ability to guide teammates like Vanie Gandler through difficult stretches of the match.
Other Standout Contributors
- Vanie Gandler: Returning from acute gastroenteritis, Gandler delivered a monstrous performance with 25 points, 15 excellent receptions, and 14 digs.
- Supporting Cast: Erika Santos added 15 points, while Rose Doria-Aquino and Jackie Acuña combined for 13 points to secure the win.
Next Challenge: The “Chameleons” The HD Spikers now prepare for a high-stakes showdown on Saturday against the also-unbeaten Nxled Chameleons. Nxled has become a major threat this season after acquiring several stars from the disbanded Petro Gazz squad. “Tomorrow is a new day,” Gandler remarked. “We focus on recovery, then it’s back to work.”
Cignal’s early success serves as a testament to the power of continuity and the elite playmaking of Gel Cayuna, who continues to cement her status as one of the premier setters in Philippine professional volleyball.