TUBOD, Lanao del Norte — While the longing lingered after closing her Capital1 chapter, Leila Cruz is ready to move forward as she reunites with her Lasallian sisters at PLDT.
A day after being introduced as the newest High Speed Hitter, Cruz explained her decision to sign with PLDT for the 2026-27 Premier Volleyball League season on Thursday at the Mindanao Civic Center here.
“Napili ko ‘yung PLDT because I feel like super ma-he-help nila ako talaga mag-improve. Syempre big factor din na champion team sila, so super grateful ako na talagang kinuha nila ako na part of the family nila,” said the 6-foot-1 opposite spiker out of De La Salle University.
Cruz entered the league as the second overall pick of Capital1 in the 2024 PVL Inaugural Rookie Draft. However, she never really had the opportunity to display her full potential with the Solar Spikers.
Familiarity could play a key role in Cruz’s bid to unlock her best form in the PVL, as she joins a PLDT side with a strong Lasallian connection that includes Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, Kim Fajardo, and Mika Reyes, among others.
“Siyempre po, big help na nandiyan yung mga ates ko and other teammates ko from La Salle. Kasi sinasabi nga nila sa akin na huwag akong ma-shy, kasi nga parang sila-sila lang din naman yun,” said the 26-year-old Cruz.
“Very welcoming yung pagtanggap nila sa akin and super thankful ako na talagang ginaguide ako ng mga ates and mga teammates ko.”
Cruz is also looking forward to working alongside Dy, one of the league’s top opposite hitters, as she seeks to further develop her game.
Dy proved to be a key weapon for the High Speed Hitters during their run in the 2025 PVL On Tour and the succeeding 2025 Invitational Conference.
“Sobrang excited ako actually talaga na makateammate si Ate Kianna kasi feel ko sobrang dami kong matututunan sa kanya and sobrang dami ko rin gusto ma-work on sa self ko and I feel like Ate Kianna will help me talaga to become a better player.”
Cruz will get her first taste of action with PLDT when the High Speed Hitters face Akari in the 6:30 PM main game of the PVL On Tour Showdown Lanao leg. Farm Fresh and Nxled will open the day’s action at 4:00 PM.
