Ankle sprain and all, Laure vows to come back strong in Game 3

Down but not out, UST rookie sensation Eya Laure vows a better response on Saturday's Game 3. Dugout Philippines/ Jade Moya
By Ricky Manliguis

PASAY CITY—Eya Laure went down grimacing in pain on her left ankle at the start of the third set of Game 2 of the women’s volleyball final of UAAP season 81 Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

She was held off the court by her father Eddie Laure after spraining her ankle, while the UST community inside the Mall Of Asia Arena held their breaths.

“Noong nilabas ako kanina, hindi ako makapaniwala na nilalabas ako kasi sabi ko sa sarili ko kahit anong mangyari sa championship na ‘to gagawin ko talaga lahat. And noong kine-carry ako ni Daddy, sinasabi ko kay Daddy na babalik ako,” said Laure.

This season’s Rookie of the Year did returned to the match, but UST failed to recover as it fell to Ateneo, 26-24, 14-25, 25-21, 25-15, to force a Game 3 Saturday in the same venue.

Despite the setback, the 19-year old phenom still belives the España-based squad will be able to adjust and bounce back come Game 3.

Former basketball star Eddie Laure carries her daughter Eya after the latter's injury in the middle of Game 2 of the UAAP Season 81 women's volleyball finals.  Dugout Philippines/ Dennis Jerome Acosta
“Para sa akin, pagsubok lang ‘to na dapat lagpasan para manalo, pagsubok lang ‘to na dapat malagpasan para makamit ‘yung gusto mong makuha,” she said.

“[And] for me naman babangon at babangon talaga kami and hindi ako susuko ng ganun-ganon lang.”

Laure, who also snagged the 1st Open Spiker plum, produced 10 points on seven attacks in the loss.

For now, she will get ample time to rest and recuperate for Satirday’s winner-take all.

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