After two years away from competitive volleyball, Eya Laure’s return to the PVL came with more than just solid numbers, as it carried perspective, gratitude, and a clearer sense of purpose.
Laure made her long-awaited PVL comeback with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, finishing with 11 points on 8 attacks, 2 aces, and 1 block, while adding 5 excellent digs and 9 excellent receptions in the Flying Titans’ straight-sets win over Akari, 25-17, 25-23, 25-20.
Eya Laure Refreshes the Mental Side
The former Queen Tigress last played in the league during the 2024 All-Filipino Conference before stepping away following her stint with the Chery Tiggo Crossovers. A non-compete clause delayed her return, forcing Laure to sit out while waiting for her contract to expire. Instead of rushing back, she used the time to reset, particularly on the mental side.
“Mentally, siguro pinaka-importante ‘yung mga taong nasa paligid ko,” Laure said. “Pangalawa, hindi talaga ako masyadong nagso-social media. Nagpo-post lang ako ng gusto kong i-post, pero sa comments, hindi ako nagbabasa kasi hindi naman siya makakatulong sa mental health ko,” Laure said after the match.
“Blessed lang din ako at grateful sa mga taong nag-push sa akin na labanan ‘yung mga… lalo na mentally, sa mga ganoong klaseng sitwasyon na naraos ko at nandito ako ngayon sa harap niyo,” she added.
Staying Ready—Always
During her time away from club play, Eya Laure stayed active with Alas Pilipinas, often training alongside players who were competing in the PVL. She also regularly worked out with the UST Golden Tigresses, using those sessions to stay in shape and regain confidence.
“Salamat sa coaches ko sa UST, sa national team. Sa national team kasi, ang tagal nila ako trinaining mag-isa hanggang sa maka-keep ako sa mga leagues ng Alas. Tinyaga talaga nila ako, sila ‘yung bumuo ulit ng kumpiyansa ko,” Laure said.
“At times na sobrang nagtataka ako o nawiwindang ako, ganyan. Sa Kurashiki, noong mga training ko, pasulpot-sulpot, ayan. Malaking bagay talaga. I think maging part ako ng national team kasi ang tagal nila akong tinetrain mag-isa, tapos ilang oras ‘yun sa isang araw.”
Eya Laure’s performance may not have been flashy, but it reflected a player grounded by experience and preparation. As Choco Mucho faces an early test against the Cignal Super Spikers on February 5, Sleya’s steady presence could prove just as valuable as her scoring.
