As the calendar flipped and fireworks lit up the sky at the stroke of midnight, the biggest bang of the New Year belonged to Eya Laure.
After a year-long absence from the Premier Volleyball League, Laure officially ushered in a new chapter by signing with Choco Mucho, ending months of uncertainty surrounding one of the league’s most sought-after stars.
Laure was meant to be the cornerstone of the Crossovers, and she lived up to that promise. The star player powered the team to back-to-back semifinal appearances in just her second and third conferences with the squad.
However, things began to spiral from there.
The former UST star sat out last year’s Reinforced Conference to fulfill her commitments with Alas Pilipinas, before parting ways with the Crossovers and eventually being bought out ahead of the 2024–25 All-Filipino Conference.
The buyout, which saw Laure receive the remainder of her contract with Chery Tiggo, triggered a non-compete clause that kept her out of PVL action for a full calendar year.
Since then, Laure has showcased her wares on the international stage, playing a vital role in Alas Pilipinas’ recent medal haul that included a historic silver finish in the AVC Nations Cup and back-to-back bronze medals in the SEA V.League.
At Choco Mucho, Laure could be reunited with former UST Growling Tigresses teammate Sisi Rondina, while also teaming up with former collegiate rivals Maddie Madayag and Deanna Wong — the same duo who bested them in the UAAP Season 81 Finals.
Also joining the Flying Titans are Jaila Atienza, Alina Bicar, and the returning Caitlin Viray.
The signings come after Choco Mucho earlier opted not to renew the contracts of Royse Tubino, Bia General, Cherry Nunag, and Aduke Agunsanya, signaling a roster overhaul as the team prepares for the All-Filipino Conference.
