Eya Laure was not about to let another injury rob her of the chance to finish what she started against Creamline.
Battling through a back injury, the Choco Mucho outside hitter made a determined return in the fifth set to help the Flying Titans finally overcome their longtime rivals, 23-25, 25-13, 25-23, 22-25, 15-13, in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series on Thursday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
It was a particularly meaningful victory for Laure, who experienced an injury setback the last time the two teams met.
During her first rivalry matchup with Creamline on February 10, the 27-year-old made an impressive debut for Choco Mucho before a groin injury forced her out of the contest. The Flying Titans eventually fell in four sets, leaving Laure unable to see the match through.
This time, however, she was determined to make the most of another opportunity.
Despite feeling discomfort in her back, Laure remained eager to return to the floor, trusting the coaching staff and refusing to waste the confidence they had placed in her.
“Siyempre, I think basta fifth set, ilalaban ko hanggang dulo. Kung anuman ang nararamdaman ko, hindi ko sasayangin ‘yung trust na ibibigay sa akin ng mga coaches ko, lalo kay Coach Dante (Alinsunurin),” said Laure.
“Lumilingon na siya kanina sa bench, kada lingon, ‘Nandito ako, coach, okay pa ako.’ Salamat at nabunot niya ako ulit noong fifth set,” she added.
And when her number was finally called, Laure made her presence felt when it mattered most.
After sitting out the second, third, and fourth sets, the former PVL Best Outside Hitter accounted for six of her eight points in the deciding frame, helping Choco Mucho withstand another spirited challenge from the Cool Smashers.
She delivered four of the Flying Titans' first six points in the fifth set before helping spark a decisive 5-0 run that turned an evenly contested finish into a 14-11 advantage for Choco Mucho.
Caitlin Viray then put the finishing touches on the breakthrough victory with a down-the-line attack, allowing the Flying Titans to celebrate a hard-earned triumph over their rivals.
“Noong time na pinasok ako ni Coach Dante, sabi ko, ito ‘yung panahon na gusto kong makasama sila at makuha itong panalo na ito kasi tinrabaho talaga naming lahat,” said Laure.
“Kumbaga, ‘yung word na sinabi ni Coach Dante bago nitong game na ito ay ‘dominant.’ Naging dominant team kami ngayon. Lahat ng skills na puwede naming ibigay, lahat ng mga pinagtrabahuan namin under sa system ni Coach Dante, naipakita namin,” she added.
Still, Laure was quick to recognize that the victory was far from a one-woman effort.
She singled out fellow outside hitter Jewel Encarnacion for stepping up during her absence, providing the stability Choco Mucho needed while Laure was limited by her injury.
Encarnacion delivered 10 points and nine excellent receptions despite dealing with cramps in the fourth set, earning Player of the Game honors for her contributions on both ends of the floor.
“I think, first of all, malaking pasasalamat ko kay Jewel kasi sa mga panahon na hindi ko mabigay ang 100% na alam ko, nandun siya at nag-step up sa'kin. At siyempre sa mga teammates ko din na sumusuporta kahit nasa bench na pinapalakas loob ko,” Laure said.
More importantly, the victory gave the Flying Titans a much-needed boost in their semifinal campaign, improving their record to 4-3.
For Laure, finally completing a match against Creamline on the winning side made the night even sweeter. But after two injury interruptions against the same opponent, she hopes their next encounter will come with a much smoother experience.
“Siyempre masaya kasi… May sakit pa rin. Actually, ang goal ko naman next time wala namang sakit sa game na pag naglalaban kami,” she quipped.
