Eya Laure foregoes final UAAP playing year, bids UST community goodbye

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

After weeks of contemplating her future, Eya “Queen Tigress” Laure finally came up with a big decision regarding the future of her Philippine volleyball career.

The superstar outside hitter confirmed that she will not be playing her eligible final season in the UAAP women’s volleyball and will leave the University of Santo Tomas (UST) program after 12 illustrious years.

Laure made everything official after posting a lengthy emotional message on her social media accounts last May 25, 2023.

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) candidate of the recently concluded UAAP Season 85 was expected to return for one more year and deliver the elusive crown back to UST but after the exit of her co-star Imee Hernandez a few days ago, Laure also broke her silence and will most likely sign with a team in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

“Pangako, kahit saan man ako mapadpad, bitbit ko ang pagmamahal niyo. No goodbyes. Just see you again,” wrote Laure in her message.

Laure and the rest of the Golden Tigresses were near to clinching a grand finals spot in Season 85 but their hopes came crashing after the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers knocked them out in the Final Four stage.

The daughter of former PBA enforcer Eddie Laure had a magical season in terms of scoring despite failing to win a title and was already touted by several PVL teams weeks after UST’s exit in the tournament.

Up to this date, no PVL team still dropped Laure’s name as part of their roster and will most likely reveal her destination weeks before the conference kicks off.

Now with Laure gone, it is time for the UST program to rebuild once again and find a perfect replacement for the explosive outside spiker.

“Lagi niyo akong pinupuri dahil sabi niyo mahal na mahal ko ang UST. Pero sana malaman niyo na kayo ang nagturo sa akin nun. I will forever be your Kapitana Eya Laure. Kasama niyong sisigaw ng Go USTe hanggang dulo,” added Laure.