Growing up, Eya Laure idolized UST Golden Tigresses legend Aiza Maizo-Pontillas.
And after 12 glorious years with UST, Laure herself has become a local legend in her own way.
That's why another Golden Tigress, Mela Tunay, couldn't help but compare Laure to Maizo-Pontillas when the 24-year-old star announced that she will go pro on Thursday night.
"Kahanay mo na ang idol nating si Nang Aiza," Tunay commented in Laure's lengthy and emotional farewell post on Instagram.
"Magkaibang mga resulta sa inyong karera sa UST, but just equally as talented and impactful," added Tunay. "Love you Eyabear. You know the rest. Proud kami sa'yo!"
It's not a secret that Laure chose to don jersey number 8 because of Nang Aiza.
Maizo-Pontillas, the lefty opposite hitter, is beloved in the Thomasian community after leading the yellow army to two UAAP titles and several Shakey's V-League top finishes.
As a rookie, Eya, together with the high-flying Sisi Rondina, led the Golden Tigresses to the UAAP women's volleyball finals. The pandemic derailed what whould have been a much-decorated collegiate career, but Laure still etched herself as one of the most important volleyball figures in the history of UST.
No wonder UST fans showered Eya a lot of love when she announced that she will forgo her final UAAP playing year.
(MDB)