University of Santo Tomas’ Eya Laure is only one year younger than University of the Philippines’ Isa Molde. But the pair are very far apart, experience-wise.
Molde entered the league in Season 78, winning Rookie of the Year, and has become a pillar for the Lady Maroons. Due to the country’s shift to a K-to-12 academic curriculum, Laure is only making her seniors’ division debut this season following an illustrious Juniors career.
The two former Philippine youth teammates met for the first time in the UAAP, Sunday afternoon. While Molde was terrific with 13 points and 14 digs, Laure was on fire with 18 points, as her Tigresses picked up the win.
Laure says she has always treasured her friendship with Molde, although their careers have gone different ways. She finds that Molde still plays with the same sweet demeanor while she remained fiery.
“Nakasama ko siya twice sa Philippine team. Mabait siya maglaro,” said Laure.
“Kung angas man lang, sweet siya, ganoon.”
The former UAAP Girls’ Volleyball Most Valuable Player lamented just how much more experienced Molde is than she. As she continues to navigate her role as one of UST’s go-to girls, she’ll continue to battle her former contemporaries.
“Wala akong magagawa kasi K-to-12. Ako first year pa lang, siya pa-graduate na,” said Laure, pointing out that she also played with UP’s Marist Layug, Justine Dorog, and Rosie Rosier in the youth team.
“Sila kasi parang bahay na nila ‘tong UAAP. Ako pa-start pa lang, naga-adjust pa lang. Feeling ko marami pa akong kakaining bigas. Sila naabutan pa nila sila Ate Alyssa Valdez, sila Aby Maraño. Wala pa akong ganoong experience.”
