Eya Laure’s long-awaited return to the Premier Volleyball League was meant to signal a fresh chapter—one filled with promise and redemption after nearly two years away from the league.
Signing with Choco Mucho, Laure stepped back into the spotlight amid growing anticipation about what she could contribute to the Flying Titans’ campaign in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Her comeback started on a high note, highlighted by a strong debut and a statement win over Akari that immediately showcased the impact she could have.
But that momentum was short-lived. In only her second game back, Laure reaggravated a groin and abdominal strain she had been managing prior to her stint with Alas Pilipinas in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand last December.
From there, her return became a stop-start journey—missing one game, playing limited minutes in others, and often sitting out sets as she balanced injury management with staying available for the team.
Despite these setbacks, Laure still found ways to contribute, including helping Choco Mucho secure a crucial five-set win over ZUS Coffee in the first round of the play-in last Tuesday, keeping their All-Filipino campaign alive.
The emotional weight deepened, however, when the Flying Titans fell to Akari in the next round—the same team Laure had faced in her return game.
(C) PVL Images
For the 27-year-old outside hitter, the conference was not just about wins and losses, but also about the frustration of trying to find her full rhythm while being constantly held back by injury.
“Yeah, frustrating kasi may mga laro na gusto ko maglaro more, na kung anong kaya kong gawin, lalo na kung ano yung nagawa ko vs Creamline,” she said after their heartbreaking five-set defeat against the Chargers at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Saturday night.
“Siyempre, malungkot kasi gusto ko pang maglaro; ayoko pang magbakasyon. As in everyone, lahat kami ganun ‘yung nasa isip,” she added.
In many ways, Laure’s campaign became less about a full return and more about resilience through interruptions—learning to push forward even when her body would not fully cooperate.
“I feel like nandoon na ako, pero may mga nangyari na okay, back to zero ulit tayo. Di naman sobrang back to zero, pero stop na naman tayo, kailangan mag-rehab, kailangan magpalakas ulit ng injury,” she explained.
“Pero ayun eh, part talaga siya. Kahit sino namang team na nandun talaga sa progress na gustong mag-champion, lahat naman pagdadaanan ‘yung sakit eh.”
What was meant to be a defining comeback instead became a season of adjustment, patience, and repeated setbacks.
And while flashes of brilliance were evident, so too was the reminder that her return, for now, remains a work in progress.
“I think on the brighter side lagi, lahat nga ng pagkatalo, lahat ng mga ganitong bagay, magpapalakas sa amin in the future,” she said.
“’Yun naman talaga ’yung point ng ano namin, saka maging patient lang talaga.”
#WATCH: MALUNGKOT KASI GUSTO KO PA MAGLARO 🏐
Eya Laure, though saddened by Choco Mucho’s exit in #PVL2026, is sticking to silver linings, saying that this is part of their process#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/FL2ljqxhgY
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/9g5EaLxuXO
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 28, 2026
