MANILA, Philippines—Eya Laure is confident she can get back on floor for University of Santo Tomas just in time for Game 3 of the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball finals.
Season 81’s top rookie rolled her left ankle at the start of the third set after landing on Kat Tolentino’s right foot and had to be carried out by her father Eddie to the UST locker room for treatment.
Although Laure was able to come back, her limited play proved detrimental for UST as the Lady Eagles took Game 2, 26-24, 14-25, 25-21, 25-15, to tie the series at one game apiece.
“When they took me out of the game earlier, I couldn’t believe that I will be subbed out because I said to myself that I will do anything for the championship,” said Laure in Filipino Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“When daddy carried me, I told him that I would come back. I tried everything to come back but I couldn’t handle the pain much longer. But you can count on me to come back for Game 3.”
Laure was able to return to the game late in the third set with UST trailing 21-19.
That hurting ankle, however, limited her at the start with her first attempt going straight to the net.
Laure was able to tally 10 points but she eventually subbed out of the match with UST trailing 23-13 in the fourth set.
“There’s pain, but I don’t really think of it that much,” said Laure. “There are people who motivate me and I know this is just a hurdle for me to overcome.”
“There will be a Game 3 and for me this challenge will make me stronger. I won’t quit that easily.”