Eya Laure. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Chery Tiggo coach Aaron Velez is thrilled to have the most sought-after collegiate star Eya Laure and four other prized recruits ahead but he is putting a premium on team chemistry ahead of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference.
The Crossovers made huge midseason moves signing Laure and her University of Santo Tomas teammate Imee Hernandez and National University trio Jennifer Nierva, Joyme Cagande, and Princess Robles.
For Velez, it’s an honor to have a well-rounded player like Laure, who had an impressive career with the Golden Tigresses for four seasons.
“Eya is a well-rounded player from offense to defense. For sure she needs time to adjust in turning pro because all eyes are on her,” Velez told Inquirer Sports.
“But her attitude and leadership will boost our team and she’ll be a great addition to the pro level,” he added.
The Chery Tiggo coach, who also works as the team manager, said that all five new recruits will play in the upcoming Invitational Conference in June.
That’s why he is working on their team chemistry, seeking to bounce back from a fifth-place finish in the 2023 All-Filipino Conference.
“We in Chery Tiggo Crossovers are very happy and thrilled to have them in our talented roster,” said Velez, who steered Chery Tiggo to its maiden PVL crown during the bubble in Ilocos Norte two years ago. “It’s given that they are highly skilled players and they’ll contribute a lot. Now we have to work on our chemistry.”
Velez, who worked as an assistant coach to Babes Castillo at Nazareth School, is elated to reunite with Nierva, Robles, and Cagande, hoping to translate their success from high school and college to the pros.
“I’m so happy to reunite with Jen, Princess, and Joyme! It’s humbling yet proud to have witnessed their growth in their collegiate career. Itutuloy namin ang nasimulan namen dito sa pro sa Chery!” he said.
The five new recruits will be teaming up with captain Mylene Paat, Cza Carandang, EJ Laure, Pauline Gaston, Shaya Adorador, setter Alina Bicar, and libero Buding Duremdes.