November 14, 2024

PVL: After career-high performance, Leila Cruz embraces bigger responsibility for Capital1

PVL: After career-high performance, Leila Cruz embraces bigger responsibility for Capital1
Leila Cruz had a career-night for the Capital1 Solar Spikers as she put up 20 points in their opening game. | Photo (c) PVL

The Capital1 Solar Spikers may have found their next go-to scorer in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

With the departure of super import Marina Tushova, the Solar Spikers turned to their second overall draft pick Leila Cruz to lead the team in their opening match against the Chery Tiggo Crossovers.

It’s safe to say that Cruz delivered for the team despite the five-set loss as she put up a career-high 20 points built on 14 attacks, five blocks, and one service ace, to go with 16 excellent digs.

Acknowledging the big loss of Tushova, the 6-foot-1 opposite hitter took it upon herself to take the challenge set for her by Capital1.

“Siyempre nag-look kami sino 'yung magsis-step up and siguro gusto ko rin kasi umako ng responsibility kaya I try my best talaga na mag-deliver ng points,” Cruz told reporters after the match.

[ALSO READ: PVL Team Preview: Capital1 ready to shine without super import Marina Tushova]

In the 2024 Reinforced Conference, Cruz was noticeably adjusting to playing in the professional league after sitting out a year due to her ACL injury.

But with a full offseason to prepare for the new PVL season, the 24-year-old spiker is ready to show why she was picked second overall in the inaugural Rookie Draft.

“I'm gonna try our best po na bigay talaga lagi yung 100% namin para maka-help po kami sa team,” said Cruz.

Despite their opening-game loss, Cruz and the rest of the Solar Spikers gained the belief that they can take on some of the top teams in the PVL even without Tushova.

“At least nakita rin po namin na kaya talaga namin. Kinapos lang po talaga. Pero siguro sa lahat ng mga nagawa naming mali, doon kami matututo and mag-a-adjust din kami for our next game,” said Cruz.

Capital1 will have more than a week off before their next match against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on November 21 at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.

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