PVL: EJ Laure shows fine form, leadership to help Chery Tiggo to 2-0 start

Chery Tiggo Crossovers’ EJ Laure in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — EJ Laure continues to prove herself as a good leader for the young Chery Tiggo Crossovers while Mylene Paat recovers from a right foot injury in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.

Laure, the new Chery Tiggo captain, sustained her fine form and delivered their second straight win after sweeping Galeries Tower, 25-14, 25-15, 25-21, on Thursday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

But being the leader for the Crossovers is no longer new for the veteran outside spiker as it has been her role since rejoining the club last year.

“Actually, I’m not thinking of it [as a challenge]. I’ve been leading our teammates and helping out Ate Mylene in building our team. It’s not new to me,” said Laure in Filipino.

The former University of Santo Tomas stalwart led the way for the Crossovers with 15 points on top of nine digs and four excellent receptions. But she also got help from her other teammates as they all saw action except for setter Joyme Cagande.

“I’m happy because most of my teammates played and delivered. It will help us boost our confidence for our upcoming games,” Laure said.

Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

EJ’s younger sister, Eya, drilled 12 points including two blocks, while setter Jasmine Nabor dished out 14 excellent sets and scored seven points built on three blocks, two aces, and two attacks to give Chery Tiggo an early 2-0 lead.

Despite the strong start, coach Aaron Velez stressed to the Crossovers that it’s still a long conference to go as they battle the Akari Chargers on October 24 at Ynares Center Antipolo.

“The ball is round. We can’t be complacent, including us coaches, we have to remain disciplined because everything could change in just a blink of an eye. We have to continue learning from this momentum inside and outside the court,” said Velez in Filipino.

Laure was also happy to go up against her best friend and first-time pro player Dimdim Pacres, who led Galeries’ gallant stand in the third with 11 points before falling to a 0-2 card.

“As a former teammate and her best friend, I am so happy to see her play again here in the PVL and get to experience what we have. She made it hard for us in the third with her drop balls. I’m just happy because she is back,” she said.

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