Years after she played her final match for UST, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas still holds great influence over the program.
Many of the current Golden Tigresses credit the proud Ilongga for sparking their volleyball curiosity. Among them is UST’s current star opposite hitter, Eya Laure, who wears jersey number 8 because of her idol.
Last Saturday, in Game Two of the PVL Collegiate Conference semifinals, Pontillas – along with several other former Golden Tigresses – watched UST take on the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, unbeknownst to Laure.
The rookie ended up scoring six points in a loss to the Lady Tams. Had she known the former UAAP champion was there, Laure insists she would have played better.
“Sa sobrang [focused] ko sa game hindi ko na nakita na nanonood siya pala. Sabi ko, ‘ano ba yan!'” the 18-year-old exclaimed.
“Ewan ko, sabi ko sayang hindi ko siya nakita na nadoon siya. Kumpol pala sila ng iba’t ibang generations ng Tigresses na nag-WVT at current na naglalaro sabi ko kung nakita ko lang siya sana sabi ko sobra akong na-inspire.”
Laure, prior to Game One, also received a video greeting from Pontillas.
“Kasi meron sa aking sinend lang si coach Ian (Fernandez) na video na mino-motivate niya (Maizo) ako na galingan ko pa, naniniwala daw siya sa amin,” disclosed the UST lifer
“Parang ako, idol ko ‘yun ‘tas siya nagsasabi sa akin na ganoon. Talagang ibang factor kaya ako number eight dahil din sa kanya kasi idol talaga.”
With UST failing to reach the Finals, Laure promises to play better the next time Pontillas comes to one of their games.
“‘Pag nanonood talaga siya, talaga naman lahat na siguro gagawin ko.”
