For the first time in two years, UST’s famed Laure sisters Ej and Eya took to the court as teammates in the 2016 Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference.
Ej tallied a game-high 18 points while Eya pitched in 17 markers to steer the Golden Tigresses past the San Beda Lady Red Spikers.
“Natutuwa ako kasi naipapakita niya kahit high school pa lang siya, nakakasabay na siya sa amin. Iba talaga ‘yung level niya,” said the elder Laure, Ej of her sister’s performance.
Eya is an all-around gem. In Season 76, she won the Best Setter award en route to a Junior’s title. The following year, she won the Best Attacker award then claimed the MVP trophy in Season 78.
Ej was the best player in the UAAP when they won the Season 76 title, the last time she and Eya played.
“Masaya pa kasi first game and panalo and naipakita ko pa ‘yung kaya kong gawin para makatulog sa team and namiss ko din po na kasama si ate,” said Eya.
Eya was supposed to officially join the seniors’ team this year but was halted by the implementation of K-12. Now Eya has to wait two more seasons before moving up to college.
“Nakakalungkot kasi inabot nga siya ng K-12 at hindi kami agad magkakasama sa team sa college,” Ej reflected.
“Kung puwede lang po maglaro sa college next year kaso ‘yun nga po ‘yung rule and K-12. Na-consume ko na din po ‘yung playing years ko sa Juniors. Siguro by next year makakalaro na ako. Hopefully, magkasama pa po kami ng mas matagal ni ate,” Eya echoed.
Eya’s addition could have ushered in a golden era for the Tigresses who have been thirsting for a UAAP title.
“Sayang kasi nga sana this season pa lang, malakas na ang team with the recruits. Pero ang mangyayari ngayon, madedelay ang pagpasok ni Eya so matatagalan din kami siguro bago maging malakas ang team,” said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes.
On comparisons between them, Ej concedes that Eya is a better overall player.
“Okay lang naman sa akin na macompare sa kanya since kapatid ko naman siya at mas magaling naman siya sa akin,” said the UAAP Season 76 Rookie of the Year. “Magaka-sama batch kami and sobrang dami niya ng accomplishments compared sa akin. Utility and setter pa siya.”
Eya shuns the comparison all together and says she and Ej are just doing what’s best for the team.
“Kami ni ate hini kami nagfofocus sa comparisons. Mas nagfofocus kami sa kaya naming ibigay sa team. Iba din naman po kasi ‘yung position ko sa position niya kaya iba kami ng kayang itulong sa team,” Eya closed.
