PVL: Leila Cruz out to prove worth as Capital1’s No. 2 pick

Leila Cruz goes to Capital1 as the second overall pick in the 2024 PVL Rookie Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Leila Cruz vows to repay Capital1’s trust after picking her as the second overall pick in the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft, seeking to help the Solar Spikers reach greater heights in the upcoming 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.

Cruz, stunning in her white gown, opened a new chapter in her career as a Solar Spiker after recovering from an ACL injury she sustained last year in the elimination round of the UAAP Season 85, where La Salle won the title.

With Capital1 coach Roger Gorayeb trusting her to be one of the cornerstone players of the new squad, the fit-again opposite spiker is eager to help Capital1 rise following a one-win debut in the All-Filipino Conference.

READ: Thea Gagate, Leila Cruz go 1-2 in PVL Rookie Draft 

Leila Cruz on Capital1’s trust. #PVLDraft2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/WzDro6Sjfp

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) July 8, 2024

“I’ll try my best talaga to bring justice doon sa Top 2 pick na binigay nila to me, and I will do everything na makakaya ko para mabigyan ng better finish this season yung Capital1,” Cruz told reporters. 

“Super grateful po and kind of shocked actually but yeah, thank you so much to Capital1 kasi tinrust nila ako and I’m so excited to play with you guys.”

From playing for La Salle coach Ramil De Jesus, the 6-foot-1 spiker is honored to learn from another seasoned mentor in Gorayeb, who has several championships in the PVL — including its predecessor Shakey’s V-League and NCAA and even took UAAP teams Ateneo and National University to higher notch.

“Super nakakatuwa na mahandle nilang dalawa kasi we all know naman na parehas silang talagang veteran sa larangan ng volleyball,” said Cruz.

Leila Cruz in the 2024 PVL Rookie Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

READ: PVL: ‘Fully recovered’ Leila Cruz gets chance at comeback

Gorayeb was firm on his decision to pick the former Lady Spiker at No.2, believing in her potential as a scorer and blocker. Capital1 also drafted Ateneo libero Roma Mae Doromal and Gilliana Torres in the second and third round, respectively.

“Height na talaga ang hinahanap ko kasi opposite [spiker] siya eh, para merong pam-block doon sa kabilang dulo sa mga outside hitters. Syempre, yung experience niya rin kasi,” said Gorayeb.

“Masaya ako kasi siyempre nakuha ko yung gusto kong mga player si Doromal at Cruz. Malaking maitutulong non sa team namin. Medyo doon sa posisyon nila, medyo weak kami doon ng kaunti.”

With Cruz and Doromal, Capital1 parades a new-look squad with setter Iris Tolenada, Shola Alvarez, and Julia Ipac as well as Russian spiker Marina Tushova in Pool B with defending champion Petro Gazz, Choco Mucho, Cignal, Akari, and ZUS Coffee.