On Saturday night, one of Eya Laure’s lifelong dreams turned into reality.
Laure finally had the chance to face off against her long-time idol, Petro Gazz star and University of Sto. Tomas legend Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference.
Indeed, it was a night to remember for the 24-year-old rookie as she scored 21 points with 15 attacks, four service aces, and two kill blocks to help Chery Tiggo secure a tight 25-15, 27-25, 18-25, 25-23 victory over Pontillas’ Angels at the Philsports Arena.
She also led a furious Crossovers fightback in the second set, overcoming a 22-24 deficit to secure a 27-25 win, putting her squad ahead 2-0 early in the match.
On the other hand, Pontillas paced Petro Gazz with 14 points, primarily from 11 attacks.
“Talaga namang parang mindset ko ngayong game talaga na ‘to na i-che-cherish ko siya kasi kung ‘di rin dahil kay Nang Aiza, siguro wala ako dito ngayon,” said Laure, herself a Golden Tigresses great like Pontillas, who is 11 years her elder.
Laure revealed that seeing Pontillas play before made her fall in love with the sport of volleyball.
In fact, the reason why she wears the number 8 is because of the 35-year-old opposite spiker.
“Yes, siya kaya yung 8 talaga (yung number) ko. Siya talaga yung rason ko sa lahat,” said Laure with a smile.
“Kasi siya lang talaga yung tinitingala ko eh, yung reason kung bakit ako nag-volleyball. Saka, nung nasa UST ako, siguro kung hindi ko siya nakita siguro baka hindi ako basta-basta nag-volleyball saka (baka hindi) ko pinursue yung volleyball,” she added.
“So kinikilig ako na at the same time nainspire talaga ako kung paano siya maglaro. Makikita mo na kalmado lang talaga siya saka yung diskarte niya talaga nandun.”
