SCHEDULE: Alas Pilipinas at the AVC Challenge Cup 2024
Alas Pilipinas players, including Eya Laure and Sisi Rondina, during an AVC Challenge CUp 2024 game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Eya Laure relished her Philippine national volleyball team comeback after reuniting with Sisi Rondina to usher in the Alas Pilipinas era in the AVC Challenge Cup.
Laure, who last played for the national team in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, hardly missed a beat in fighting for the country’s pride with 17 points on a 50% attack rate in their 22-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-21 win over Australia in front of an electric 4,945 crowd on Thursday evening at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Five years after parting ways, the University of Santo Tomas dynamic duo played for one team once again, but this time, they represent the country together.
READ: AVC Cup: Alas Pilipinas beats taller Australia to kick off campaign
Laure continued to credit her confidence and maturity to Rondina, who took her under her wing during the former’s rookie year in the UAAP Season 81 in 2019.
“Ate Sisi is a big help to me since she’s the one who gave me confidence and trust in my position as an open spiker. I’m learning a lot from her,” said the Chery Tiggo star. “I thank her for guiding me from our days in UST up until here in the national team.”
Alas Pilipinas’ Eya Laure celebrates after a point against Australia in the AVC Challenge Cup 2024. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Laure backstopped Angel Canino, who also finished with 17 points off 15 kills, one block, and an ace, while Rondina delivered 16 points.
Rondina, for her part, is proud to see Laure’s growth as a volleyball player all these years.
READ: Eya Laure, Sisi Rondina excited to reunite at Alas Pilipinas
“Sobrang UST feels (It feels like we’re in UST). We missed it. I’m happy we’re able to reunite here in the national team and I’m proud to see her growth,” said the Choco Mucho spiker of Laure.
Besides Rondina, Laure also attributed their win to the setter and captain Jia De Guzman, whose leadership and brilliant plays led to Alas’ balanced attack.
“It’s always an honor teaming up with Ate Jia. I’m thankful that I get to see her experience and for her trust in me,” said Laure, who saw action with the national pool members in the AVC Club Championship in 2021.
Despite their short preparation, Laure hopes to sustain their momentum as Alas eyes its second win in Pool A against India (2-0) on Friday at 7 p.m.
“Even if we have a short preparation, our hard work is bearing fruits, and everything that coach Jorge [de Brito] wants us to do we’re able to execute. Hopefully, we get to win more,” Laure said.