With Mylene Paat sidelined by cramps, sisters Eya and EJ Laure stepped up for their captain in Chery Tiggo’s hard-fought five-set victory over Akari in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference.
Paat, who had already contributed 11 points before the final set, missed the entire deciding set. That prompted Crossovers head coach Aaron Velez to reposition the younger Laure on the opposite side and introduce rookie Cess Robles to the lineup.
Eya unleashed consecutive attacks, while EJ showcased her all-around skills, propelling Chery Tiggo to a commanding 11-5 lead in the fifth set. The team ultimately sealed the win against the Chargers, 25-18, 22-25, 25-19, 17-25, 15-7, at the Philsports Arena.
Robles also provided a much-needed boost, scoring two of her four points in the decider. She helped the Crossovers bounce back from their opening-day loss to Creamline and secure their first victory in the Invitational Conference.
The 24-year-old rookie from UST led all scorers with an impressive 19 points, comprising 16 attacks and three blocks. Meanwhile, her elder sister contributed 15 points, primarily from 14 successful attacks, along with 11 excellent digs throughout the match.
“Siguro yung mindset namin, kasi nagca-cramps na si ate Mylene [Paat], siguro kailangan talaga naming akuin lahat ng bola na kailangan mapatay. Sabi ko kay Buding [Duremdes] sa likod na dapat walang babagsak na bola. So ayun, yun lang,” said EJ after the win.
Eya noted in the UAAP, she had faced numerous five-set battles with the Golden Tigresses. That experience has prepared her for challenging matches at the professional level.
“Ang mindset ko, lagi ko naman ‘tong nararamdaman naman so bakit hindi ko i-apply dito sa Chery. Parang UAAP pa lang ang dami na naming five sets so ‘di naman kami basta basta bumibitaw sa mga ganitong laban,” said Eya, who had 14 points in the loss against the defending champions.
“So kung ano ang natutunan ko sa UST, sa team namin don, dadalhin ko lang sa Chery kasi different colors pero same naman yung dapat kong gawin.”
The UAAP Season 81 Rookie of the Year also commended the rest of the Crossovers for their composure, particularly in the decisive fifth set where they prevented Akari from mounting a comeback.
“Wala namang dapat magbago na paglaban. Kung ano talaga yung trabaho, lalo na kapag fifth set na iba talaga yung mukha. Siyempre fifth set so parang it’s now or never, parang ganun palagi e,” said Eya.
“Naging mas magaan kasi syempre kasi yung mga kasama ko alam mo na magta-trabaho, nagpapadala din sila so laban talaga. Mas napapadali yung teamwork. Kumbaga, pumalo ka diyan at meron at merong sasalo sa’yo. Hindi ka mag-isang lalaban.”
Meanwhile, Velez expressed his satisfaction with the performance of the team’s young players in the crucial fifth set. He believes that this win, which showcased their character, will only bring positive outcomes for the youthful Crossovers in the future.
“Sakin doon ako proud sa mga bata. Hindi mo madidiscount sa kanila kung ano yung kanilang edad. What they can actually offer, they really bring it,” he said.
“Pero nandun sila para mag-sabi kay ate Mylene na, ‘Sige ate Mylene, gagawin namin ‘to. Tatapusin namin ‘to.”
