The PLDT High Speed Hitters have added another promising piece to their roster as they continue to fine-tune their lineup ahead of the 2026-27 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season, signing opposite spiker Leila Cruz from the Capital1 Solar Spikers.
PLDT officially announced Cruz’s arrival on Wednesday, August 12, through its social media platforms, welcoming the former second overall pick as the team looks to build on its championship success from last season.
“Aim just got sharper. You can never be late to your own time to shine. Opposite hitter Leila Cruz joins the High Speed Hitters starting in the 2026-27 PVL season. We are excited to see you at your best on the taraflex court! You got this and we got you,” PLDT said in its announcement.
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Cruz joins a PLDT squad that is coming off its breakthrough campaign in the PVL. The High Speed Hitters captured their first league championship last year after ruling the Invitational Conference, giving the team added confidence heading into the new season.
The 26-year-old Cruz was selected by Capital1 with the second overall pick in the inaugural PVL Draft two years ago. Despite her considerable potential, however, injuries hampered her progress during her two seasons with the Solar Spikers and prevented her from establishing herself as a consistent starter.
Her move to PLDT now provides Cruz with a fresh opportunity to revive her career and showcase the talent that made her one of the most highly regarded prospects in her draft class.
Cruz also faced increased competition for playing time at Capital1 following the arrival of Erika Santos, who quickly established herself as one of the league’s premier opposite spikers. With Santos occupying a prominent role in the Solar Spikers’ rotation, Cruz found her opportunities on the wing increasingly limited.
A change of scenery could therefore be exactly what Cruz needs as she looks to regain her rhythm, confidence, and consistency.
🇵🇭 Leila Cruz has officially signed with the PLDT High Speed Hitters ahead of the 2026–27 PVL season!
The former Capital1 Solar Spikers opposite hitter begins a new chapter with PLDT after spending her first two professional seasons with Capital1.#PVL2026 #Volleyball pic.twitter.com/5t9GXRZIpN
— Volleytrails (@volleytrails) August 12, 2026
At PLDT, Cruz will also reunite with several familiar faces from her UAAP days with the De La Salle University Lady Spikers. She will once again share the court with former teammates Alleiah Malaluan and Jessa Ordiales, while also joining a group of decorated La Salle alumni that includes Kim Fajardo, Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, and Mika Reyes.
The presence of those familiar teammates could help ease Cruz’s transition into a new system as she works to establish herself in a competitive PLDT lineup.
High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort admitted that the opportunity to acquire Cruz came as a surprise, but said the team was delighted to welcome the young spiker and is eager to help her maximize her potential.
“We were surprised but we are very happy with the acquisition. Hopefully, it’s a good problem to have. She is still young and has faced a few challenges, but hopefully we can help her learn and continue to improve. We will just take it one day at a time,” Ricafort said.
For Ricafort and PLDT, Cruz’s arrival represents more than simply adding another player to an already talented roster. The coaching staff will have the task of helping her regain her form while finding the best way to utilize her attacking ability within the team’s system.
The High Speed Hitters have already seen action in the ongoing 2026 PVL On Tour preseason conference, playing one match so far. PLDT opened its campaign with a victory over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, on Saturday, July 25.
PLDT will return to action on Saturday, August 15, when it takes on the Akari Chargers in Lanao del Norte.
While the On Tour serves as an opportunity for teams to assess their personnel and experiment with different combinations, PLDT will also use the preseason to prepare for the challenges of defending its championship in the upcoming PVL season.
The High Speed Hitters enjoyed a landmark campaign last year, securing their maiden PVL championship by winning the Invitational Conference. With a strong core returning and Cruz now added to the mix, PLDT hopes her arrival can provide another dimension to an already deep roster.
For Cruz, meanwhile, the move represents a chance to turn the page and make the most of a new opportunity.
After two injury-plagued seasons with Capital1, the former La Salle standout will have another opportunity to prove why she was once considered one of the country’s top young volleyball prospects. With PLDT providing a new environment and familiar faces around her, Cruz will look to make her mark and finally establish herself as a key contributor in the PVL.
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