EJ Laure turns pro, signs with Chery Tiggo ahead of PVL conference

FILE–Former UST stalwart EJ Laure. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines—EJ Laure, the UAAP Season 77 Rookie of the Year, is set to start her professional career after she signed with longtime club Chery Tiggo in the Premier Volleyball League.

Crossovers team manager Ronwald Dimaculangan said Laure skipped the 2021 season to take care of her daughter Scarlet.

Laure will join a loaded Chery Tiggo team that includes reigning MVP Jaja Santiago, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Mylene Paat, and younger sister Eya Laure.

“She’s been with us for so long but she needed to skip last year because she has to take care of her daughter,” said Dimaculangan of Laure.

The former University of Santo Tomas star has been with the club since 2016 when it was still known as the Foton Tornadoes.

Laure’s decision to enter the PVL ultimately ends her near eight-year stay at UST, ultimately foregoing potential stints in Seasons 84 and 85.

The 24-year-old open spiker played for the Golden Tigresses from Season 77 to 79 but left the team for two years before returning in Season 82.