Coach Roger Gorayeb is staying patient with Leila Cruz's recovery and development with the Capital1 Solar Spikers as they progress in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Leila Cruz is expected to be a crucial piece for the Capital1 Solar Spikers moving forward—and coach Roger Gorayeb will be among the first to say so.
Selected second overall in the inaugural PVL Draft, high expectations were immediately set on Cruz, who is coming off an ACL injury that sidelined her for the entire UAAP Season 86.
Now back and competing with her new squad, the 6-foot-1 opposite spiker has been contributing to Capital1’s new-found success in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
In just her second game, Cruz had five points to go along with 11 excellent digs in the Solar Spikers’ stunning straight-set win over the defending champions Petro Gazz Angels.
“Super happy kasi kahit papaano naka-help ako sa win namin today and super proud sa team,” Cruz said during the post-game press conference.
After providing the necessary spark for Capital1, Gorayeb is excited for what Cruz can deliver in the future. The veteran tactician though emphasized that they are “not rushing” her progress and development as a player.
“Leila kasi right now, I think she is not yet 100 percent. Papaano na 'pag nag 100 percent itong batang ito? Saan mo pa sila pupulitin? But slowly, we do it slowly. We don't have to rush,” said Gorayeb.
“The tournament is just starting. Marami pang matutunan like 'yung defense pattern namin. Medyo naliligaw-ligaw siya doon but she's willing to learn naman eh. Kaya lang siyempre she got used to her old style of defense, eh ngayon, parang after niya magpahinga, ganito na pala, iba na pala,” he added.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Leila Cruz hopes to repay Capital1's trust after being picked second in PVL Rookie Draft]
Gorayeb also lauded Cruz for being open to learning and adapting to his system.
“She's open for good ideas. Open naman siya. Hindi naman siya 'yung player na nagrereklamo pag-pinagalitan mo, hindi naman. Actually, hindi ko naman siya pinapagalitan. Gusto mo? Hindi naman. Maayos 'yung bata. Mabait [at] sana tuloy-tuloy na,” said Gorayeb.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Capital1 stars thankful for coach Roger Gorayeb’s trust after historic upset against Petro Gazz in Reinforced Conference]
Cruz and the rest of the Solar Spikers will look to continue their solid form as they face the Cignal HD Spikers on Saturday, July 27, at 1:00 p.m. at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.