Chery Tiggo. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Despite a losing Premier Volleyball League debut, Eya Laure enjoyed her first professional game with the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the Invitational Conference on Tuesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The former University of Santo Tomas star led the way for the Crossovers with 14 points and 15 excellent receptions but they got swept by the Creamline Cool Smashers, 22-25, 22-25, 17-25, in Pool A.
“Ako naman masaya yun lang yung lalabas sa bibig ko kasi inenjoy ko talaga. Merong pressure, may expectations pero kasi masaya ako na naglalaro ako na kasama yung teammates ko, andon ako sa system ng coaches,” said Laure. “Siyempre Creamline ang tagal na nila magkakasama and kami ito ilang linggo pa lang magkakasama. Andon lang kami palagi sa process and tiwala kami na dadating din kami doon.”
(I’m happy that’s all I can say because I really enjoyed it. There is pressure and there are expectations but I’m still happy to play with my teammates under the system of the coaches. But Creamline has been together for a long time unlike us who are just together for weeks. But we trust the process.)
Besides relishing her first pro game, the two-time UAAP Best Scorer was also thrilled to play alongside her sister EJ for the first time since UAAP Season 82 three years ago before the tournament was wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Alam ng ate ko yung standards ko sa sarili ko, yung expectations ko lalo na pag naglalaro. Playing with her again, parang mas napapagaan. Kahit naman wala si Ate sa loob ng court yung fact na nakakasama ko siya sa training, nakikita every day it’s a big factor for me na andito ulit yung ate ko at kasama ko na ulit,” the younger Laure said. “I’m so happy lang talaga na supportive lahat sa amin as a group.”
(My sister knows my standards and expectations when it comes to the game. Playing with her again makes the job easier for me. Even she is not on the court, the fact that I’m with her in training and I see her every day it’s a big factor for me. I’m so happy that everyone from our group has been supportive.)
Chery Tiggo’s Eya Laure (8) and EJ Laure. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
EJ saw limited action in the first two sets as new recruit Cess Robles got the starting spot but the former started in the third and had three points and seven digs in a losing effort.
Chery Tiggo coach and team manager Aaron Velez, who made big moves during the break, landing Laure, Robles Imee Hernandez, Joyme Cagande, and Jennifer Nierva, remains patient with their progress amid getting swept by the defending champions.
“To be honest, I don’t have any expectations as I’ve said with other interviews. I’m looking at this for the long haul,” Velez said. “All of our players are working out double time in recovering after their UAAP season. But it’s not an excuse we have to double our time actually work harder. I know their capabilities we just have to trust the process of getting our groove and getting our chemistry. I’m still happy with how they played and there’s more to that.”
Laure and the Crossovers will take a long break before playing their second Pool A game against Faith Nisperos and the Akari Chargers on July 11 at PhilSports Arena.
The Chery Tiggo rookie is not thinking of renewing her rivalry against Nisperos, keeping her focus on her team’s progress.
“Mas doon ako magfofocus ako sa team, kung ano yung mga kailangan namin trabahuin pag dating sa laro. Kung ano yung trinabaho namin sa training, ilalabas namin sa laro doon ako nakamindset kung ano yung sistema na ibibigay nila sa akin,” Laure said.
(My focus is on the job that I have to do for my team. We have to execute the things we do in practice during games that’s my mindset, the system that our coaches have been implementing in our team.)