The Capital1 Solar Spikers have a lot to be excited about in the 2024-2025 All-Filipino Conference, starting with the growth of rookies Leila Cruz and Roma Mae Doromal.
The Capital1 Solar Spikers on Tuesday nearly started off the 2024-2025 All-Filipino Conference on a high note against the revamped Chery Tiggo Crossovers at the Philsports Arena.
Despite a promising performance, the Solar Spikers fell to Chery Tiggo 25-20, 23-25, 25-22, 18-25, 11-15 after the Crossovers recomposed themselves to give Norman Miguel a win in his PVL head coaching debut.
Leading the Solar Spikers were rookies Leila Cruz and Roma Mae Doromal, who each had impressive performances in their season opener. Cruz had her much-needed breakout as a pro player, notching a career-best 20 points built on 14 attacks, five blocks, and one ace.
The former La Salle Lady Spiker also added 16 excellent digs to exhibit refined floor defense against Chery Tiggo. However, she was quick to downplay her performance as she acknowledged her slow start for the contest.
“Sakto lang, kasi slow start ako. So parang kulang pa talaga, pero happy naman,” said Cruz, the second overall pick in the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft.
Doromal, meanwhile, continued to excel under Roger Gorayeb’s system as she tallied a game-high 28 excellent digs as their lead floor patroller. Offseason strength and conditioning workouts, she said, helped her come into the game with a much-improved form.
But like Cruz, Doromal knows that stellar numbers are no sign to stop growing throughout the season.
“Strength and conditioning so key ‘yun, ‘yun ‘yung nakahelp doon [sa performance ko]. And at the same time, hindi din ganon kasatisfied pa kasi madami din akong na-miss na mga bola which is ‘yung mga crucial parts. So ‘yun pa rin ‘yung big deal pa rin talaga na kailangan ko pa i-improve,” said the former Ateneo captain.
The 2024-2025 All-Filipino Conference marks Capital1’s post-Marina Tushova era, after the high-scoring Russian led them to a breakthrough postseason berth. Now, it’s up to the Solar Spikers to show that they’re just as capable to make the playoffs with an all-local cast.
Tuesday’s game was a good sign beyond Cruz and Doromal’s respective performances, with veteran Patty Orendain notching 14 points as a starter, along with a returning Heather Guino-o scoring 12 after missing the Reinforced Conference.
“Siguro at least nakita rin po namin na kaya talaga namin, kinapos lang po talaga. Pero ‘yun, siguro sa lahat nang nagawa naming mali, dun kami matututo. And magaadjust din kami for next game,” said Cruz.
Now in their second PVL conference, Leila Cruz and Roma Mae Doromal are aware of the bigger responsibilities awaiting them for the new season. Apart from their bright potential, the two were among the more battle-tested rookies in their draft class, giving them ample exposure to the professional level of play.
“We’re gonna try our best na bigay palagi ‘yung 100 percent namin para makahelp kami sa team,” said Cruz.
“Yeah, kasi ‘yung responsibility na namin, mas malaki na siya kasi gamit na kami ganun. So i-aaccept lang namin ‘yung responsibility na ‘yon and gawin talaga hanggang ano ang kaya namin,” concluded Doromal.
Banner images courtesy of the Premier Volleyball League.