PVL: Leila Cruz joins PLDT, reunites with former La Salle teammates

Leila Cruz joins the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the PVL after her stint with Capital1. –PLDT PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT has signed former No.2 pick Leila Cruz ahead of the new Premier Volleyball League season.

The High Speed Hitters got another prized opposite spiker in Cruz, who is set to backstop last season’s Comeback Player of the Year, Kianna Dy.

Cruz joined her second PVL team after getting drafted second by Capital1 in the 2024 PVL Rookie Draft.

“You can never be late to your own time to shine. Opposite hitter Leila Cruz joins the High Speed Hitters starting in the 2026-2027 PVL season,” PLDT wrote. “We are excited to see you at your best on the taraflex court! You got this and we got you.”

The former La Salle Lady Spiker is reuniting with her old teammates Alleiah Malaluan and Jessa Ordiales and teaming up with other alumni like Dy, Kim Fajardo, Majoy Baron, and Mika Reyes.

PLDT coach Rald Ricafort seeks to unlock the full potential of Cruz.

“We were surprised, but we’re very happy with the acquisition. Hopefully, it’s a good problem to have,” Ricafort told the Inquirer in Filipino. “She’s still young and has faced a few challenges, but hopefully we can help her learn and continue to improve. We’ll just take it one day at a time.”

PLDT, which won its first PVL on Tour game against Choco Mucho in Vigan City, plays its last preseason game against Akari on Saturday in Lanao Del Norte.

The High Speed Hitters won their first two PVL crowns last year in the PVL on Tour — before it became a preseason showdown this year — and the Invitational Conference.