Blue chip rookie EJ Laure not pressured to carry Tigresses

MANILA, Philippines – Amid mounting pressure to bring back its former glory, the UST Tigresses refuse to put that responsibility squarely on the shoulders of 17-year old blue chip rookie EJ Laure.

The UAAP Season 76 girls’ volleyball Most Valuable Player moved up to the Tigresses this year, opting to stay with her alma mater despite reportedly receiving several offers from other schools. Her entry into the collegiate level immediately sparked excitement over what could be the dawn of a new era in UST women’s volleyball after the once dominant squad suffered disappointing campaigns in the past two years.

But head coach Odjie Mamon refuses to pressure the young skipper, choosing to let her blossom naturally with the team.

“She’s an integral part of the starting 6 but I don’t want to pressure her by giving her more responsibilities. I just tell her to train hard and play hard,” Mamon said following the Tigresses first win of Season 77 at the expense of the UE Lady Red Warriors.

“Not really (giving her much responsibility). That will come.”

A 5-foot-8 open hitter, Laure quickly made an impact for University of Santo Tomas with 8 points, including two blocks, in her debut on Saturday, November 22. She started the game for UST and showcased some of her powerful and precision kills – several of which simply whizzed through UE’s blockers.

Laure admitted having jitters from the crowd, but the daughter of PBA cager Eddie Laure is not letting any of the expectations or the pressure get to her.

“Hindi naman. Sakto lang naman kasi tinitignan ko yun (pressure) as a challenge na ipakita yung best ko every game,” she said, adding that she is happy with what Mamon has entrusted to her this early. (Not really. It’s alright for me because I take that as a challenge to play my best every game.)

The Information Systems major also said she is looking forward to growth and the accompanying bigger responsibilities.

“Siguro pag dating ko ng second year or higher mas dadami na rin responsibilities ko.” (When I reach my second year or higher I’ll have more responsibilities.)

Laure’s arrival signals an opportunity for the team to reclaim the UAAP title they last won in 2010, but only if she realizes her potential. For now, she’s already had a head start as far as chemistry is concerned.

“She was still in high school when she played in the V-League as our guest player,” Mamon explained. “So among the rookies she spent the longest time with the seniors.”

The Tigresses, holders of 14 UAAP volleyball crowns, are off to a good start in their bid to make the Final Four after missing it in the last two years.

According to Mamon, although there are a number of holdovers from last season – including veterans Pam Lastimosa, Jessey De Leon and Mela Tunay – this season’s team is still very much different from last year.

“There’s great difference with the system and the composition. We have 5 rookies in this line-up and then the starting setter is Alex Cabanos,” he explained.

Being one of the shorter teams in the league, Mamon said speed will be their ally as they compensate for what they lack in height.

“Our overall strategy for the entire year is play quicker, faster.”

Defense is also something UST worked on in the off-season. The improvements were seen against UE. But the real test will come against the De La Salle Lady Spikers on Sunday, November 30.

Mamon is optimistic that speed and better defense will see them through.

“We are praying that it’s enough (to bring us to the Final Four).” – Rappler.com