PLDT leans on loaded roster

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT’s new recruit Leila Cruz will have to wait a few months.

For now, the High Speed Hitters will rely on their established and loaded roster when they clash with the Akari Chargers today in the PVL on Tour in Tubod, Lanao del Norte. Game time is 6:30 p.m.

“We will integrate her first with the team, and hopefully, she’ll be ready for the Invitational,” PLDT team manager Bajjie del Rosario told The STAR referring to the talented 6’1” opposite spiker formerly from Capital1.

Del Rosario and the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned squad  beam with  excitement at Cruz’s arrival as they chase a third trophy as an addition to their PVL on Tour and Invitational crowns last year.

“We’re happy she went to PLDT. She will be a huge help to the team and she will be a big part of our campaigns,” he added.

PLDT had already bared its fangs early in the conference after it downed Choco Mucho, 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 25-18, last July 25 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Kianna Dy shone the brightest in that game, uncorking a 17-point barrage, and along with Savi Davison, Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron and Alleiah Malaluan, should form the franchise’s fearsome attacking unit.

Akari, for its part, tries to cap its campaign on a winning note after splitting its first two outings – the first a four-set defeat to ZUS Coffee and the other a four-set win over Choco Mucho.

In the first game at 4 p.m., it’s Farm Fresh (0-1) versus Nxled (2-1).