University of Santo Tomas suffered a heartbreaking conclusion to its 2019 PVL Collegiate Conference campaign on Saturday.
But though the effects of the stinging loss could be far-reaching, both Eya and EJ Laure were quick to put the past behind. They re-adjusted their focus to the present, which meant helping Foton keep its flickering semis hopes burning in the 2019 PSL Invitationals, Sunday.
And the Golden Tigress duo fulfilled their responsibility for the Tornadoes Blue Energy.
Eya delivered the clutch hits down the stretch of a tough five-set affair against the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers en route to a game-high 24 points built on 21 attacks. Meanwhile, EJ backstopped the team with her reliable scoring arsenal. She provided 11 markers plus her hard-nosed defensive coverage.
“Sabi ko po na andito na kami. Sayang naman kung ibibigay lang namin,” Eya admitted.
The younger Laure then confessed that she and her sister were simply making up for lost time with the Tornadoes. The two had had several other commitments, including student-athlete responsibilities, and even National team duties for the former.
“Sa amin kasi, kami dalawa ni ate EJ, ‘yun nga, hindi kami nakakapag-training kaya nag-uusap kami. Sabi namin na kapag ipapasok kami, parang kumbaga, napakalaking trust na binibigay talaga sa amin na ayaw namin sayangin,” the UAAP Season 81 Rookie of the Year shared.
“Eto nalang ‘yung parang gusto namin bumawi sa Foton sa paraang ganito.”
Now that the dust has settled in the race for a semifinals berth, Foton has finally secured a spot in the next round through the efforts of the Laure sisters and the rest of the Tornadoes.
Entering the playoffs against the still-undefeated Petron Blaze Spikers on Tuesday, expect Eya and EJ to continue giving it their all.
“Kaya gusto namin kapag naglaro kami sa loob, kahit papaano, maibigay namin ‘yung kaya namin itulong sa team,” the youngest member of the Philippine national team said.
