Her view from the bench gave her answers.
On Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, Eya Laure, the prolific outside hitter of the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, bumped knees against another player during a crucial match versus the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws. The collision prompted the coaching staff to take Laure out of the game as a safety measure. From the bench, Laure recuperated and at the same time, assessed what was going on out on the court.
“Pinakiramdaman ko lang din kasi natakot din ako na magakaroon ng injury sa tuhod. That’s why nilabas din ako ni coach [Kungfu Reyes], Laure divulged to reporters in the postgame press conference.
“Although, parang nabugbog lang naman din siya kaya nakalaro din ako. Maganda na nga rin at nilabas ako kasi nakita ko kung ano ba ‘yung nangyayari sa court.”
The UST star made the most of her time watching from the sidelines. When she felt it was time, Eya was eager to return to the floor, and help out her teammates, based on what she had observed.
“Gano’n naman talaga, kapag nandoon ka sa loob, laro ka lang din nang laro. Iba pa rin kapag ‘yung view mo, sa labas ng court,” the tournament’s top scorer explained.
“Nakikita ko parang, ‘pag may nagkakamali, wala masiyadong naghu-huddle, walang nagre-remind sa isa’t-isa. Kaya nagsabi agad ako kay coach na ‘Coach, puwede na kong pumasok, ok lang ako.’ Tiwala naman ako sa kaniya kung kailan niya ako ipapasok,”
As soon as she checked back in, the 24-year-old former national team member provided exactly what her squad needed to secure a Final Four slot in Season 85 of the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament. Aside from being a vocal and an emotional leader, she also led by example through her marvelous play as she dropped 28 points on 23 attacks. Along with UST libero Bernadett Pepito who had 21 excellent digs, Laure led the way as the Tigresses defeated the Lady Tamaraws in four sets.
On Wednesday, Eya will try to inspire the Tigresses once more as they take on the National University Bulldogs in a battle for the second seed.