The GAME speaks to Leila Cruz and Roma Mae Doromal, two UAAP rivals turned key pieces in Capital1’s present and future rise to PVL contention.
As Capital1 continues its rise in the PVL, their core will feature two former UAAP stalwarts: Leila Cruz and Roma Mae Doromal. Cruz, the opposite spiker from La Salle, was the number two overall pick, while former Atenean libero Doromal was chosen at 14th overall (second round, pick no. 2).
Both have found themselves well inside Capital1’s rotation in their early Reinforced Conference run. Cruz is in the starting six, while Doromal has been given heavy minutes as the Solar Spikers’ floor patroller.
Head coach Roger Gorayeb has praised the two early on, especially with Doromal shaping up to be a major draft steal. She’s currently top eight in digs as of writing and has stuffed the stat sheets for most of the first round.
“Roma is a very good addition to our team. Very stable on defense, very good on reception. ‘Di ko nga alam eh, buti walang nag-pick sa kanya, ako nakaisip mag-pick sa kanya,” he told reporters during Capital1’s win over Choco Mucho last August 1.
Five-foot-ten Cruz continues to recover from the ACL injury she suffered a year ago. Still, she’s shown flashes of skill on top of her physical gifts. A potential asset on net defense, she and Doromal have filled Capital1’s urgent needs according to Gorayeb.
And while she’s still recovering, Cruz already brings coachability, and an openness to new ideas according to the legendary mentor.
“Paano pa kaya ‘pag nag 100 percent ‘tong batang ito? San mo pa sila pupulutin? But slowly, we do it slowly. We don’t have to rush, the tournament is just starting. Marami pang matututunan like ‘yung defense pattern namin,” Gorayeb said of Cruz following Capital1’s early upset over Petro Gazz last July 24.
For both, however, this team-up was unexpected, given their roots. Leila Cruz is a Lasallian, while Roma Mae Doromal is from Ateneo. Given this, up until the PVL Draft, both were on the opposite sides of a storied UAAP rivalry.
“Actually ‘di ko talaga in-expect na magiging teammate ko si Roma ever,” Cruz told The GAME after Capital1 finished their Group B campaign on Tuesday.
The feeling was mutual for Doromal, who was admittedly relieved by this development. After all, she did defend against Cruz’s spikes for about two straight UAAP seasons in Katipunan.
“Sinabi ko na din ‘to na hindi ko in-expect na magiging magkakampi kami. So super thankful ako na siya ‘yung kakampi ko, hindi ko siya kalaban. Kasi I know Leila, ‘yung kaya niya, how she plays,” Doromal told The GAME in a separate interview, also on Tuesday.
Now on the same side, both have become each other’s support system as they brave through down moments and rookie jitters. It’s a stark contrast from the past two years, where they likely spent time studying each other’s playing styles.
“So parang super happy ako na nandito siya [Roma Mae] to help me. And ‘yun nga, parang narinig ko din, we really help each other pagka may down moments talaga kami. Parang kinakapitan lang din namin yung isa’t isa para alam mo yun? Para ma-lift up ‘yung bawat isa,” shared Cruz.
Both couldn’t help but be happy with each other’s performances. On top of being her support system, Doromal sees Cruz as a “very helpful” addition to this Capital1 crew.
Likewise, Cruz is super proud to see Doromal’s performances in the pros, saying: “As in like every single game talagang nagwo-work hard siya mag-defense and sa reception niya talaga. So super proud ako sa kanya and ‘yun nga, keep it up Roma!”
Marked team
In the case of the Solar Spikers, they’ve got a fighting chance in the Reinforced Conference, far from a team that you’ll downplay on your calendar.
This is something that Leila Cruz and Roma Mae Doromal can enjoy besides their unexpected team-up. Even as rookies, they’ve become familiar with a winning culture in the professional ranks.
Within the first round alone, Capital1 has already won against Petro Gazz and Choco Mucho, two veteran-laden teams seen as PVL contenders.
“Super nice [‘yung culture] kasi ini-implement nga sa amin ‘yung para masanay kami sa winning culture, na parang every step is super important kasi need namin na maranasan yung panalo para iki-crave namin siya every single time. So very nice ‘yun for us,” says Cruz.
Likewise, Doromal enjoys the presence of a winning culture in Capital1 while having “super humble and grounded” teammates. But at the same time, she knows winning places a target on Capital1’s back.
“Kasi at first, parang underdogs talaga. So now na nandito na kami sa position na ‘to meron nang added pressure. But at the same time, we just have to be humble also and to do more, work hard more. You know, step up more,” explained Doromal.
With the second round of pool play looming, both rookies know that the work is still cut out for them. Doromal acknowledged she has to be more consistent in order to continue being an energy boost for the Solar Spikers.
For Cruz, it’s a matter of working on her floor defense and attacks, as she explains, “I will try my best talaga na mag-overload sa attacking ko. Kasi I think need ni Marina ng help from sa’ming mga Filipino players na kasama niya.”
As for her ACL tear, Cruz assures that her right knee has been stable. Even better, she has no hesitations either caused by the freak injury. While the physical rehab continues, that should be a good sign for both her and the Solar Spikers.
“I’m not takot naman. Siguro more on yung condition ko lang inside, kung paano ako magla-last. Or paano ako makakapag-make ng decision ko if pagod na ako. Kasi syempre now ko lang siya ulit na-experience so I have to work on that,” she explained.
Now, it’s a matter of growing further for the unlikely tandem of Leila Cruz and Roma Mae Doromal. Both for the Reinforced Conference’s second round and Capital1’s long-term future in the PVL.
And as they ease into the pros, they’ll have such a massive support system. First are Capital1’s more senior players, who willingly guide their youngsters on top of being vocal supporters.
“Sinusupport lang talaga nila kaming rookies na, just do your job and we’ll support you all the way, kaya super nice lang din to hear. Kaya mas okay talaga na parang may support system ka dun,” shares Cruz.
Of course, there will always be the legendary Roger Gorayeb and his treasure trove of volleyball knowledge. Especially for Cruz, she now gets another legendary mentor following Ramil de Jesus in La Salle.
Doromal, meanwhile, credits the storied coach for unlocking her higher levels of confidence.
“Blessed din talaga ako to be under him and maabutan ko siya as a pro volleyball player. Super thankful din ako na mapunta sa kanya kasi sobrang gina-guide nya talaga ‘ko, and ‘yung confidence ko talaga tumaas talaga because of him,” she said.
“Because of him also, parang naging kalmado lang ako. But you know, at the same time mayroon pa ako [need] i-work hard pa.”
Banner Images courtesy of the Premier Volleyball League. Special thanks to Noel Zarate.