Leila Cruz goes to Capital1 as the second overall pick in the 2024 PVL Rookie Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
The excitement of joining Capital1 was palpable among the Solar Spikers’ top picks.
“I’m super grateful and kind of shocked actually but yeah, thank you so much to Capital1 because they trusted me,” said Leila Cruz, the former La Salle hitter picked second overall in the PVL Rookie Draft last Monday. “I’m so excited to play with you guys (Solar Spikers).”
Roma Mae Doromal, the ex-Ateneo libero picked by Capital1 in the second round, expressed a similar sentiment.
“I feel nervous [but] I’m very happy that I got picked and I’m really thankful to Capital1 for having me and welcoming me. I could feel they really wanted me on their team,” Doromal said.
It turns out, the feeling is mutual. Perhaps even more, coming from the other direction.
“I’m thrilled because we got the players we wanted. They will significantly help the team, especially in positions where we have been slightly weak,” said coach Roger Gorayeb.
The Solar Spikers played their cards close to their chest in the days leading to the Draft, but team co-owner Mandy Romero admitted they had a shortlist of players they wanted. And Capital1 checked all the names on their list.
“We are very happy because we got our wishlist,” Romero said. “Before the draft, we targeted these three players. We believe their talent and grit align with the team’s thrust, goals and the future we’re building.”
Repaying the faith
The third player on the list was spiker Jenya Torres and Gorayeb stressed the importance of selecting all three.
“I was really looking for height because they are opposite spikers. Now we have blockers for the opposing outside hitters,” Gorayeb said. “We planned to get them, including the libero, because we only have two liberos. I think Doromal will help our defense and fill the gap in that spot.”
And the players are all eager to repay the faith Capital1 showed in them
“I’ll try my best to [give] justice [to being a] Top 2 pick … and I will do everything I can to give Capital1 a better finish this season,” the 5-foot-10 Cruz said.
“I’ll embrace [my role] the way I embraced it in Ateneo. This time, I hope I can still lead,” Doromal said.
The three rookies will boost a Capital1 squad that features newly acquired setter Iris Tolenada, Shola Alvarez and Julia Ipac as well as Russian spiker Marina Tushova. The Solar Spikers will compete in Pool B in the coming Reinforced Conference, where they are bracketed with defending champion Petro Gazz, Choco Mucho, Cignal, Akari and ZUS Coffee.
“It will be an exciting road ahead for the team,” Romero said.