MANILA, Philippines – Former University of Santo Tomas high school star Eya Laure looks forward to her sister act with EJ Laure when she debuts in the UAAP seniors division volleyball in Season 81. 

“Excited na excited kasi sobrang namiss ko talaga si Ate EJ. For how many years ako naging single na Laure sa high school kasi first playing year ko sa UAAP juniors, dalawa na kaming Laure,” said Eya during the inaugural Siklab Youth Awards last Wednesday, June 27.

(I’m so excited because I really miss Ate EJ. I have been the only Laure in high school for several years unlike in my first playing year in the UAAP juniors where it was the two of us Laures playing.)

The older Laure, who took home the Season 77 Rookie of the Year, was sidelined in Season 80 reportedly due to a shoulder injury. Her absence, however, received social media backlash from fans who speculated that it wasn’t the true reason. 

But the Laure sisters hope to put all issues behind and just focus on backstopping Sisi Rondina as the Golden Tigresses try to bounce back from a 7th place finish in Season 80. 

“Gusto ko maibalik yung glory and yung parang tingin sa UST na siyempre, hindi tayo magsesettle sa kung ano ang naging finish last year. So this year sobrang naghihirap kami sa training para maangat din yung performance namin next season,” said the younger Laure. 

(We want to bring back UST’s glory and winning ways. Of course, we’re not going to settle for the finish we had last year. So this year, we’re working hard in training to improve our performance next season.) 

Among the rising volleyball stars in the juniors division, Eya was selected as the Philippine Olympic Committee’s Super Kids awardee from the sport. 

The rookie, though, feels the pressure of continuing her sister’s legacy in the tough seniors tournament. 

“Parang yung feeling na nakatingin sila sa performance ko next season so kailangan [prepared ako] itong upcoming season. Kailangang paghandaan kasi mahirap naman kung hindi mo makuha yung mga gusto nilang mangyari [na improved performance],” added Eya. 

(I feel like everyone is looking at my performance next season, so I have to really prepare for the upcoming season. We need to prepare for it because it’s hard if we don’t get to improve our performance.) – Rappler.com