Following a disappointing performance in the semifinal, Eya Laure found redemption by helping Alas Pilipinas Women secure a landmark podium finish in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup on Wednesday night.
Laure, one of the Philippines’ top scorers, struggled to find her mark in the country’s biggest game.
She found herself held to only three points – her lowest output in the tournament – in the 23-25, 21-25, 14-25 loss to Kazakhstan in the semifinals.
“Syempre sa bawat set, sa bawat pangit na laro, ang mindset lang namin sa susunod na laro ay makabawi sa susunod na lalaruin namin,” said the 25-year-old outside hitter.
Carrying the pain from their semifinal loss to the Kazakhs, Laure licked her wounds and bounced back in style. She powered the Philippines to a historic bronze-clinching victory over a towering Australian side in the third-place match.
Laure finished with 10 points on eight attacks and two service aces as Alas Pilipinas secured their first medal in an AVC tournament since the federation’s formation 63 years ago.
“Ako personally, alam kong pangit yung nilaro ko yesterday. Hindi ako nakaambag. Yun nga yung hinihiya ko kay Ate Sisi (Rondina) na parang na-sad ako kasi semis, tapos may naramdaman ako na biglaan kaya di ako maka-perform,” said Laure, who was seen crying after their loss to Kazakhstan.
“Yun lang naman yung na-frustrate ako, kaya medyo umiyak ako kay Ate Sisi kahapon. Pero ayun, ang mindset lang today ay bumawi at kunin ang bronze,” she added.
Despite coming together barely two weeks before the tournament, the Philippines defied expectations and won five of their six games, including a four-game sweep in the group phase.
Laure said that Alas Pilipinas headed into the tournament without any expectations, considering their limited preparation, and that’s what made their bronze finish sweeter.
“Nandito kami to play for our country, at masaya kami sa naging output kasi wala naman talaga kami masyadong inexpect,” said Laure.
“Ang usapan lang talaga namin ay ilabas kung ano yung kaya namin para ipaglaban ang bansa, para ipakita sa ibang country na tayong mga Pilipino may ibubuga rin.”
