TUBOD, Lanao del Norte — Opposite spiker Leila Cruz is looking for a fresh start and a chance to spread her wings with PLDT.

Cruz signed with the High Speed Hitters after spending two seasons with Capital1, which picked her second overall in the 2024 Draft.

The former Alas Pilipinas player will join forces with fellow De La Salle University products as the two-time champion club aims for more glory in the coming 2026-2027 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season.

“Super happy I got to join a team like PLDT, which is a champion team. And I’m so grateful I was given an opportunity to be teammates with my Ates and former teammates from La Salle before,” Cruz said in her first public appearance on Thursday as a High Speed Hitter.

Cruz and the rest of the PLDT crew were greeted warmly by fans gathered at the Christ the King College de Maranding on Thursday here for a meet-and-greet event ahead of tomorrow’s 2026 PVL On Tour Showdown.

The High Speed Hitters will battle Akari at the Mindanao Civic Center Gymnasium.

“For sure, I’m looking forward to learning more with the team and improving my skills with them,” she added.

Cruz reunites with her La Salle teammate Alleiah Malaluan as well as other Lady Spikers alums Kim Kianna Dy, Mika Reyes, Kim Fajardo and Majoy Baron.

“I guess, one of the reasons why I chose PLDT was because I feel like since it’s a champion team, the winning culture is there. Also, my Ates and the team will be able to help me grow as an athlete,” she said.

Cruz has already trained with the team but is adjusting well to the system of head coach Rald Ricafort.

“Actually, I’ve already trained with the team for two days and super happy that I get to join them here in Lanao,” she said.

“They really make me feel welcome by bringing me here although I’m still new. So far, super happy with the training. Very chill and you can really feel that my Ates and the other players are willing to guide me every step of the way.”