As the spotlight of the Santa Rosa Sports Complex shone down on the clash between Chery Tiggo and Creamline, Eya Laure emerged from her team's dugout, ready to face a sea of Creamline fans.
The deafening cheers from the opposing supporters didn't faze her; instead, she embraced the electric atmosphere with a sense of familiarity, drawing from her experiences as a former UAAP standout with the UST Golden Tigresses.
"Tumingin ako sa buong arena, lahat naka-pink, mga 90-percent. Syempre ako, galing din ako sa college, yun yung idi-dream mo rin kasi na sana marami ring naka-red," Laure shared, reflecting on the overwhelming support for Creamline.
For Laure, this moment was more than just a game; it was a chance to fulfill her dream for Chery Tiggo. With determination in her eyes, she led her team onto the court, igniting a spark of hope amidst the sea of pink.
And what a show she put on.
In a stunning display of skill and tenacity, the 24-year-old sophomore spiker propelled Chery Tiggo to a resounding victory over the reigning champions, sweeping the Cool Smashers in three thrilling sets. Laure's stat line spoke volumes: 14 points, 12 attacks, two aces, and four excellent receptions, including the match-clinching play that shattered Creamline's 19-game winning streak.
"Pag naririnig ko talaga yung sweep, parang nakikita ko na yung sarili ko talaga na sumisilip," Laure joked, referencing a meme circulating on social media about her famous 'no sweep' remark during her UST days.
But beneath the humor lies a deeper sentiment. Laure's victory signifies more than just a win on the scoreboard; it's a testament to the relentless spirit of the underdog, a reminder that anything is possible with unwavering teamwork and determination.
"Teamwork lang. Isa rin naman yun sa mga dreams din namin na sana kung merong mga naka-pink, kahit papano i-achieve naman na kalahati next time," Laure remarked, emphasizing the importance of unity within the team and the growing support from their fans.
With this monumental win, Laure hopes to inspire not only her teammates but also the Chery Tiggo fan base, urging them to rally behind their team with unwavering support and enthusiasm.
"Malaking bagay na mga sumusuporta sa amin, tumatawag ng pangalan namin ay walang sawang chini-cheer kami. Siyempre lalaban talaga," Laure affirmed, acknowledging the invaluable role of the fans in fueling their passion for the game.
As Chery Tiggo continues to defy the odds and carve their path to success, one thing is certain: with Eya Laure leading the charge, the future looks brighter than ever for this up-and-coming squad.
