Laure sisters tow UST past San Beda

SISTERS EJ and Eya Laure stamped their class as University of Santo Tomas overwhelmed San Beda, 27-25, 25-18, 20-25, 25-18, last night in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Collegiate Conference at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

EJ, the older of the two daughters of former PBA player Eddie Laure, fired 18 points, while Eya, a high school star who is the team’s designated guest player, tallied 17 hits as the Tigresses debuted auspiciously.

The Tigresses missed the injured Cherry Rondina, but the Laure sisters proved they were more than capable of filling the void, spearheading the attack and drawing raves from coach Kung Fu Reyes.

But more than anything, Eya is relishing the experience of playing with her sister.

“I’m happy because it’s my first game with ate (EJ Laure), I missed playing with her,” said Eya, who at 16 is three years younger than EJ.

“We’re not paying attention to the comparisons, but how we can help the team.

“This is a good experience for me and Agatha (Mangulabnan) when we play with our high school team since this is a high-level tournament.

Mangulabnan also made her mark with 29 excellent sets.

“Hopefully they grow and become stronger by the time they graduate (high school),” said Reyes of the high school players in the squad.

The Tigresses rolled to a two-set advantage before the Lionesses grabbed a lifeline by taking the third set. The Laure sisters anchored UST’s strong finish in the fourth set.

Reyes was glad to see his second stringers also step up against San Beda.

“This is a chance for them, so we can see who has the potential coming into the UAAP,” said Reyes.

Janine Marciano turned out to be the lone bright spot for San Beda, pumping in 18 points, including 14 off spikes.

In Spikers’ Turf play, Ateneo rolled past San Beda, 25-19, 25-23, 25-16, while Perpetual Help coasted to a 25-13, 25-17, 25-23 triumph over Philippine Merchant Marine School. With a report from Miguel De Leon