Upon witnessing UST rookie Angge Poyos sustain an ankle injury during Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 Finals, former Queen Tigress Eya Laure couldn't help but be reminded of a nearly identical incident from the Season 81 Finals.
Eya Laure could not help but feel a surge of emotions and memories flood back after seeing UST super rookie Angge Poyos sustain an ankle injury in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 Finals on Saturday, May 11.
The Chery Tiggo star, along with Sisi Rondina and her elder sister EJ Laure, was among the 20,955 spectators inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where Poyos tweaked her right ankle when she landed on the foot of teammate Em Banagua.
The Golden Tigresses ended up losing the title opener to the National University Lady Bulldogs in straight sets, 23-25, 20-25, 20-25.
[RELATED: UAAP: UST star Angge Poyos exits Game 1 of the Finals after apparent ankle injury]
“Katabi ko si ate Sisi na medyo naiyak ako kasi nangyayari ‘yung ganung unfortunate events na hindi naman talaga natin kontrolado din ‘yun,” Laure shared.
For Laure, the moment was poignant, serving as a stark reminder of her own heartbreaking experience five years ago on the same stage, and almost on the same date.
“Nako, ‘di ko alam ‘yung sasabihin ko pero naiyak lang talaga ako nung nakita ko ‘yun. ‘Di ko alam kung ano ‘yung mafe-feel ko or parang, nag flash back, nag flashback siya,” Laure said.
In UST's previous Finals appearance in Season 81, during Game2 of the title series against Ateneo, Laure landed on the right foot of Kat Tolentino in the third set, resulting in a sprained left ankle.
The then UST super rookie admirably fought through the pain to continue playing for the remainder of the series. Despite her valiant efforts, the lingering discomfort hindered Eya's ability to perform at her peak.
As a result, the Golden Tigresses were unable to reclaim their top form, ultimately falling short in three games against the Blue Eagles.
Reflecting on her own experience, Laure hopes that UST's current title bid will not follow a similar narrative.
[ALSO READ: As déjà vu rears its ugly head, coach Kungfu names list of players to step up for UST in UAAP Finals in place of injured star Angge Poyos]
“Alam ko naman na ilalaban ‘yun ng UST kasi hindi lang naman si Poyos ang dahilan kung bakit sila nasa finals ngayon,” she said.
“Nasa Finals sila kasi teamwork ang ginawa nila at hindi biro yun na young team sila na nakarating sa finals agad.”
Laure is praying for the speed recovery of Poyos, who is still questionable for Game 2, scheduled on Wednesday, May 15.
“Para kay Angge, sana maka-recover lang din kaagad siya with the help of the UST coaches, ‘yung mga strength and conditioning coaches, and ‘yung mga doctors na nag aasikaso,” Laure said.