MANILA, Philippines—Eya Laure was supposed to get another chance at international competition, but the Philippines suddenly decided to pull out from the 2019 Asian Women’s U23 Volleyball Championship.
Laure was added into the lineup that was supposed to compete in the tournament in Vietnam but the rookie from University of Santo Tomas couldn’t do anything but move on from the higher-ups’ decision not joining the games.
“Of course I was saddened by the decision but I think my time has yet to come,” said Laure in Filipino Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Center. “There are still a lot of chances for me to once again represent the country.”
The Larong Volleyball ng Pilipinas officials gave an unorthodox reason regarding pulling out from the tournament, saying they wanted to prevent opposing countries from scouting the country’s Filipino-foreign players.
Laure already wore the Philippine colors as part of the under-17 team and she also has a chance to wear it once more if she can crack the lineup for the Southeast Asian Games.
“There are still a lot of leagues in international competition and every athletes dream of representing the country.”
Laure, for the meantime, can just focus on the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament wherein the Golden Tigresses just lost to Ateneo in four sets, 21-25, 18-25, 25-16, 22-25.
The Golden Tigresses dropped to a 1-1 record after the loss and Laure wants to help UST get a better campaign.
“I’ll focus first here in the UAAP,” said Laure who had 12 points against the Lady Eagles. “I just tell myself every game that I have to find my confidence as a player. I think I waited a long time before I got my confidence back.”