PVL: Capital1’s Leila Cruz slowly but surely revealing full potential

Capital1 Solar Spikers rookie draft pick Leila Cruz during a PVL Reinforced Conference match. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Capital1 coach Roger Gorayeb believes the best is yet to come for No.2 overall pick Leila Cruz after showing what she’s capable of in the Solar Spikers’ first two games in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.

The rookie spiker helped Capital1 earn its biggest win in the PVL yet as she contributed five points and 11 digs in the stunning 26-24, 25-20, 25-18 win over two-time defending champion Petro Gazz on Tuesday at Philsports Arena to improve to a 1-1 record in Pool B.

Gorayeb has been marveling at the dedication of Cruz since their first game last week after being instrumental despite the four-set loss to Akari and only having one training day due to illness.

In her second game in the PVL, the former La Salle star, who is returning from an ACL injury last year, supported Russian spiker Marina Tushova, Jorelle Singh, and Des Clemente.

“Leila I think is not yet one hundred percent right. What more if she’s a hundred percent? But slowly, we do it slowly. We don’t have to rush. The tournament is just starting,” said Gorayeb after earning the franchise’s second win since joining the PVL last conference.

“There are still many things to learn, like our defense pattern. She’s a bit lost in that area. But she’s willing to learn. It’s just that she’s used to her old style of defense, and now, after taking a break, things have changed. It’s different now,” he added.

SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference

For Gorayeb, the best thing for Cruz aside from her potential is being a very coachable player. 

“But she’s open to good ideas and willing to learn. She’s not the type of player who complains when you correct her. Actually, I don’t even have to scold her. She’s a good kid, very kind. I hope she continues this way,” the veteran coach said.

Cruz, who played for the most successful UAAP coach Ramil De Jesus at La Salle, hopes to repay the trust given by her first pro mentor Gorayeb and the management by continuing to scratch the surface of her full potential.

“I’m super grateful to coach because he gave me trust, especially now that I’m just coming back from my injury. He really guides me on what I need to do on the court,” she said.

As she continues to grow with the young Solar Spikers, Cruz hopes to carry this big win when they battle the unbeaten Cignal HD Spikers on Saturday.

“I’m super happy because I was able to help with our win, and I’m very proud of my teammates,” said Cruz. “It’s super important to me that I was part of this win. Of course, this is our first win with me back, so I’m really very happy.”