LEILA Cruz will get a fresh opportunity to revive her career after joining PLDT High Speed Hitters for the 2026-27 Premier Volleyball League season.
The High Speed Hitters announced the signing of the 2024 PVL Rookie Draft’s second overall pick on Wednesday, ending Cruz’s two-year stint with the Capital1 Solar Spikers.
“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 said in announcing the move.
Cruz entered the league with high expectations after Capital1 selected her second overall in the 2024 rookie draft. She was viewed as one of the players who could help establish the young franchise.
The opposite hitter, however, struggled to secure a consistent role during her two seasons with the Solar Spikers despite showing flashes of her potential, particularly during her rookie campaign under coach Roger Gorayeb.
Her playing time became more limited last season under Brazilian coach Jorge Souza de Brito, with Sydney Niegos, France Ronquillo and Ysa Jimenez ahead of her in the rotation.
The competition for playing time increased further with Capital1’s acquisition of former Cignal standout and league MVP Erika Santos.
Cruz now moves to a PLDT squad that already has Kianna Dy and Jessey De Leon in the opposite hitter position.
The transfer gives the 2024 second overall pick another chance to establish herself and earn a larger role as the High Speed Hitters prepare for the new PVL season.
PLDT expressed its confidence in Cruz as the team welcomed her to the roster.
“We are excited to see you at your best on the taraflex court! You got this, and we gotchu,” the High Speed Hitters said. (Adrian Co)
