When Imee Hernandez went down with an ankle injury early in the first set, University of Sto. Tomas team captain Eya Laure immediately called her teammates for a huddle.
Laure knew that losing a player like Hernandez in the team’s first match in more than two years will most definitely affect the team’s mindset. And with that, she made sure to steady the ship with a quick talk.
“Siyempre nandon yung experience na rin,” bared Laure after the Golden Tigresses’ 25-23, 25-20, 25-21 debut win over Far Eastern University on Thursday afternoon. “Sinasabi naman samin lagi ni Coach Kungfu [Reyes] ‘yan e, yung experience na hindi mapapantayan basta-basta.
“So yun yung isa na ishe-share namin sa kanila at para mas mapatatag din sila, maging compose yung naglalaro, kami yung magpapakalma,” added the 23-year-old Laure who, despite her young age, already had a couple of stints with the Philippine national team.
Laure lauded the fight that the team showed, overcoming Hernandez’s injury while also coming out with a dominant three-set sweep for its first win in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament.
According to the former UAAP Rookie of the Year, this game without a doubt showcased the team’s character. More than that, this game also showed that the team is more than willing to play for one another.
“After two years kasi, ngayon lang ulit kami nakatapak sa UAAP court so medyo expected na rin namin pero hindi pa rin naman kami bumitaw hanggang sa dulo,” said Laure.
“Nandoon kami para sa isa’t isa, yun naman yung lumabas sa game na ‘to at nakita rin natin doon sa game na nagtutulungan din talaga kami,” she added.
Aside from the leadership that she provided, Laure also delivered hugely on the court, finishing with 14 points to go along with nine excellent digs in the win.
Laure and the Golden Tigresses will take on University of the East next on Saturday at 6:00 PM.
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