In her second year with Chery Tiggo, Eya Laure is setting her sights on securing a podium finish for the Crossovers in the upcoming 2024 Premier Volleyball League season.
The 24-year-old spiker, hailing from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), expressed her aspirations during the recent PVL Media Day at the TV5 Media Center.
Laure, a former UST star, revealed that her primary goal this season is to propel the retooled Chery Tiggo team to a top-three finish, surpassing their fourth-place performance in the Second All-Filipino Conference. Drawing inspiration from her past achievements, especially the silver medal in UAAP Season 81 with the Golden Tigresses, Laure is determined to relive the thrill of standing on the podium.
"Of course, maka-podium finish sa PVL conference. Yun naman talaga yung una kong gusto kong maramdaman, na maramdaman ko ulit yung naramdaman ko nung (UAAP) Season 81. Of course. So sana this PVL conference, maka-podium finish kaming Chery," Laure expressed.
Confident in the team's prospects for the season, Laure acknowledged the valuable additions of former F2 Logistics stalwarts Aby Maraño and Ara Galang. The reigning All-Filipino Conference 1st Best Outside Spiker highlighted Maraño's leadership qualities and Galang's calming influence both on and off the court.
"Mas confident kasi kumbaga, meron kaming taga kalma. Si Ate Ara, calm kasi siya meron din kaming leader na nadagdag, which is si Tyang Aby," Laure stated, recognizing the team's youthful composition and the significance of having experienced players.
Emphasizing the seamless integration of Maraño and Galang into the team, Laure praised their openness and cooperative spirit during the transition. She noted that their presence would offer the younger players valuable lessons from their extensive experiences.
“Lalo na si Ate Ara, si Ate Ara kasi ngayon ko lang po siya nakasama. So nakikita ko siya paunti-unti na si Ate Ara pala hindi siya tahimik talaga, maingay din pala ang isang Ara Galang,” Laure shared, highlighting the unexpected side of her newfound teammate.
As Chery Tiggo gears up for the PVL 2024 season, Eya Laure's optimism, coupled with the team's strengthened roster, sets the stage for an exciting and competitive journey ahead.
