EJ Laure has worked her way back from a chronic shoulder injury that derailed her promising career for two years.
The UAAP Season 77 Rookie of the Year has returned to action for the UST Golden Tigresses by staging a comeback in the 2019 PVL Collegiate Conference, Sunday.
“Siyempre sobrang happy kasi nasabi ko noong [UAAP] Finals sa kanila na babalik na ko,” Laure said.
“Sobrang happy ako na nandito na ulit ako kasama sila Coach [Kungfu Reyes].”
The 5-foot-9 spiker served as the anchor of her youth-laden team in their conference opener against Lyceum. She provided stability and even showed the way down the stretch, putting up the finishing touch.
It’s safe to say that the layoff did not affect Laure’s leadership. However, the open hitter admitted that it did take a toll on her abilities as a player.
“Nanibago lang ako sa court,” confessed the 22-year-old, who finished with two points — off an ace and a spiker — laced with five excellent digs and a pair of excellent receptions.
She then continued, “Di ako nagco-court, di pa ako magba-ball masyado kasi pinapalakas ko pa shoulders ko.”
For those who have been following her ever since she debuted as an athlete, there is no denying that Laure lost weight and looked thinner than the way she was in UAAP Season 79.
But as bared by her long-time mentor, Laure’s weight loss is nothing but a necessity for her to get back into tip-top shape.
“Part yan kasi nagbubuild ulit yung volleyball muscle,” Reyes chimed in. “Sana bago magpangapat or panglimang laro kasi nakakapagtraining na siya ng almost everyday for two weeks.”
Still, the path to regaining her peak form remains far and rigorous. But Laure will thread through it by taking one step at a time.
For now, though, all that matters is that she’s back on the court and ready to help her team in any way possible.
“Siyempre gagawin ko lahat. Kahit hindi ako sa points, at least, tutulong ako sa kanila sa mga receive at tsaka sa pagsasalita sa kanila sa kung anong kaiangan nilang gawin para umayos yung laro nila.”
