Determined not to let Eya Laure’s spirits dampen on her 25th birthday, the Chery Tiggo Crossovers pulled off an escape act over the Petro Gazz Angels in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
On the day Chery Tiggo hotshot Eya Laure celebrated her 25th birthday, the Crossovers made sure to give her the perfect present.
The Crossovers banked on a balanced offensive attack to outlast the Brooke Van Sickle-led Petro Gazz in a pulsating five-set battle, 25-21, 18-25, 22-25, 25-19, 15-13, in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Thursday night, March 21.
At the forefront of the well-rounded charge was the younger Laure, who struggled in the first three sets before heating up down the stretch to finish with 15 points. She also had 12 digs and eight excellent receptions in the the squad's escape act.
“To be honest, hindi ako nasiyahan kasi first three sets, parang wala akong pino-produce masyadong number, parang wala akong ambag. Siguro, pasalamat ko na lang sa Chery na team, coaches, PTs, sina Coach Kungfu (Reyes) at ‘yung mga kasama ko sa loob, ‘yung mga teammates ko. Hindi sila magsasawang i-motivate ako para maibalik ko 'yung ginagawa ko talagang natural, at 'yung confidence ko rin sa sarili,” Laure said.
The former University of Santo Tomas star has also been drawing strength from the fierceness and passion-fueled nature of the Crossovers, who churned out a collective effort in making sure that no one from their side loses heart in the midst of battle.
This was evident when Chery Tiggo fought its way back from the brink of defeat, snatching the last two frames for a comeback win.
“Siyempre, pampa-boost na, 'Ah, itong teammate kong 'to, lumalaban. Kailangan, lalaban din ako.' Kumbaga, nakakadala talaga siya and mas nakaka-gain ng confidence lalo na 'pag fifth set na pagod na ang lahat, nandoon mo nararamdaman,” Laure shared.
“Kasi more on 'pag nailalabas namin ‘yung emosyon namin, mas doon nailalabas ‘yung confidence namin at the same time.”
Aside from the rallying presence of her sisters-in-arms, Laure could not help but also relish the back-to-back victories of the Crossovers, who have now earned the title of streak-busters.
Chery Tiggo is the culprit behind the screeching end of Creamline’s 19-game streak less than a week ago. It would then snap the three-game surge of Petro Gazz.
After emerging victorious over two of the top league contenders, Laure lauded Chery Tiggo’s ability to put the team in prime position for success.
“Siyempre, malaking achievement sa amin sa Chery and isang realization ko lang siguro doon sa dalawang games namin, preparation talaga. More on preparation talaga, more on work na communication, ayan. 'Yun talaga, 'pag sama-sama para mas magkaintindihan. Grabe kasi 'yung pukpukan namin sa training,” Laure said.
Not one to get lost on a high, Laure and the Crossovers aim to sustain their top form when they next face the Nxled Chameleons on March 26, Tuesday.