Now Cignal ace Erika Santos, formerly with PLDT. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA — PLDT coach Rald Ricafort and Erika Santos might have parted ways, but the mentor never had any doubts about the opposite hitter's potential.
Ricafort revealed that Santos has been a "project" for him since he joined PLDT in 2023 -- a year after the player made the move to the pro ranks from De La Salle University.
Santos eventually copped the 2025 PVL on Tour Most Valuable Player award, although with another team—the Cignal HD Spikers.
Still, Ricafort was satisfied to see her former ward take her game to another level.
READ: PVL on Tour: Erika Santos marks debut campaign with Cignal by winning MVP award
"Coming from short collegiate career niya, pagpasok ko ng PLDT, prinoject ko 'yan si Erika [Santos] na maabot ‘yung role niya, kaso nasa Cignal na siya," said Ricafort.
The High Speed Hitters' encounter on Saturday against the HD Spikers marked the first time Santos faced her former team.
READ: PVL: Ex-PLDT ace Erika Santos signs with Cignal
PLDT though got the better of the Santos-led squad, 25-19, 25-13, 25-22, in the 2025 Invitational.
"Pero 'yung ganiyang potential niya, inantay namin 'yan nang matagal. Pero regardless kung nasa amin siya o wala, very happy kami na naabot niya 'yung award nung last time," he said.
Ricafort underscored that there is no "bad blood" between Santos and PLDT, despite the former High Speed Hitter leaving the squad last May.
"At least, kahit papano, tuwing magkikita, alam na walang bad blood. Very happy kami sa kanya, very supportive. Sadyang kapag ganito, kapag nakakatapat lang nakakatuwa kasi parang nasa training lang ulit."
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