Cignal’s Erika Santos in action. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA – Cignal’s Erika Santos has found motivation in playing in front of a hostile crowd—and she’s using it to elevate her game.
Santos delivered a standout offensive performance to help the Cignal Super Spikers outlast the Creamline Cool Smashers in a five-set thriller, 25-21, 24-26, 18-25, 25-22, 17-15, during the qualifying round of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The De La Salle University product finished with a game-high 26 points built on 23 attacks, as the Shaq delos Santos-coached squad secured a semifinals berth.
READ: PVL: Cignal books semis ticket after thrilling win vs Creamline
For Santos, the loud, pro-Creamline crowd only adds fuel to her fire.
"For me naman, masarap maglaro na ’yung crowd parang nasa kabilang team lahat—so for me, ginawa ko siyang motivation," she said.
Santos added that scoring points against a hostile audience gives her a sense of fulfillment, especially when faced with doubters.
"Ginawa ko siyang motivation kasi may mga fans na nagbu-boo or what, tapos nagkakapuntos ka, parang nakaka-proud lang na ‘bakit ang daming doubters, ito ako,’" she said.
Instead of being rattled, Santos said she embraces the pressure that comes with playing in front of a passionate crowd.
"Parang tine-take ko lang siya as motivation instead na tumiklop sa maraming tao. It feels good na maglaro with that crowd," she added.