By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The Capital1 Solar Spikers are eager to get back on track in the Premier Volleyball League following the successful Rookie Draft Monday night, July 8.
Head coach Roger Gorayeb said the team was happy with their selections as they intend to eclipse their 11th place finish in their debut appearance in the All-Filipino Conference early this year.
The Solar Spikers selected former La Salle standout Leila Cruz as their second overall pick, and Roma Doromal and Gilliana Torres in the succeeding rounds.
“Masaya ako na nakuha ko yung mga gusto kong players, Cruz at Doromal. Laking maitutulong sa team namin kasi sa position nila, medyo weak kami doon ng konti,” said Gorayeb.
Selecting Cruz, in particular, is crucial.
“Height na talaga ang hinahanap ko kasi opposite spiker siya eh. Para merong pam-block doon sa kabilang dulo sa mga outside hitters. Syempre yung exerpeince niya, andun na rin,” Gorayeb said.
Even Mandy Romero, one of the team owners, is excited to have Cruz on board.
“We’re very happy. She’s a force to reckon with and she’s everything we’ve been looking for. We’re excited for this conference,” she said.
Cruz, meanwhile, said she would do her best to give back to the team that gave her an opportunity.
“I’ll try my best talaga to bring justice doon sa Top 2 pick na binigay nila to me,” said Cruz.
“I will do everything, sa lahat ng makakaya ko para mabigyan ng better finish this season yung Capital1,” she added.
Like their trust in Cruz, Gorayeb is also optimistic of what Doromal could offer for the team.
“Plano ko talaga na second pick ko libero. Yun ang hinahanap ko kasi para meron kaming konting choice sa libero. Sa tingin namin, siya ang makakapuno sa gap na yun,” said Gorayeb.
