The Chery Tiggo Crossovers are facing a significant challenge ahead of the 2024/25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season, as reports have surfaced that their star player, Eya Laure, is set to leave the team. This departure is poised to disrupt the Crossovers' lineup, leaving a noticeable gap in the squad, especially with the start of the All-Filipino Conference just around the corner.
The Eya Laure sweepstakes is on as the prized outside spiker is in the process of buying out her contract with Chery Tiggo a month before the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) October 13, 2024
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According to various sources, Laure is in the process of negotiating a buyout of her contract with Chery Tiggo. This move comes just weeks before the start of the new PVL season, creating ripples across the volleyball community.
Her imminent departure follows the exit of two other key players from the franchise—her sister EJ Laure and libero Buding Duremdes—further intensifying the impact on the team’s overall strength.
As Laure seeks a fresh start, multiple PVL teams have already expressed strong interest in signing her. Among the potential suitors, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans are reportedly the frontrunners. A move to the Flying Titans would see Eya Laure reunited with her former University of Santo Tomas (UST) teammate, Sisi Rondina, creating a formidable pairing that could potentially elevate Choco Mucho's game.
Rondina, a celebrated player in her own right, shares a deep on-court chemistry with Laure from their days together at UST. This potential reunion has excited volleyball fans, who are eager to see how this dynamic duo could reignite their synergy in the PVL. It’s not just about old friendships, though; it’s also about the sheer potential of the two players working together to push their new team to new heights.
Eya Laure’s name has become synonymous with excellence in Philippine volleyball. She burst onto the scene during UAAP Season 81, where she quickly established herself as one of the league’s most promising young talents. In her debut season, she won both the Rookie of the Year and Best Outside Hitter awards, solidifying her reputation as a player to watch.
Her decision to forgo her final year with UST to join Chery Tiggo was met with great anticipation. Laure signed with the Crossovers ahead of last year’s PVL Invitational Conference, joining a team bolstered by several standout players, including her UST teammate Imee Hernandez and National University stars Jen Nierva, Cess Robles, and Joyme Cagande.
During her tenure with Chery Tiggo, Laure helped guide the team to back-to-back semifinal appearances in the All-Filipino Conference, although they ultimately finished fourth in both editions. Despite not clinching a championship, Laure’s performances were nothing short of impressive, showcasing her talent as one of the league's most dominant outside spikers.
However, Laure’s time on the court for Chery Tiggo was limited in recent months. She did not participate in the PVL Reinforced and Invitational Conferences due to her commitments with Alas Pilipinas, a move that perhaps hinted at her impending departure from the team. Her exit from Chery Tiggo marks the end of an era, one that began in 2016 when she first signed with the Foton Tornadoes in the now-defunct Philippine Superliga.
Eya Laure’s departure leaves a gaping hole in the Chery Tiggo Crossovers’ roster, and her absence will undoubtedly be felt in the upcoming season. However, the team still boasts a strong core of seasoned veterans who will be relied upon to lead the squad through this transitional period.
Players like Mylene Paat, Aby Marano, and Ara Galang bring experience and leadership to the table, and their presence will be critical in keeping the Crossovers competitive in the All-Filipino Conference. While replacing a talent like Laure is no easy feat, Chery Tiggo's coaching staff will be banking on these players to step up and fill the void left by their star outside hitter.
That said, the Crossovers will need to regroup quickly and find new ways to stay competitive in a league that’s growing more intense with every season. The All-Filipino Conference, set to kick off in November, will be a true test of their resilience and adaptability without Laure anchoring their offense.
Eya Laure’s potential transfer is more than just a personnel change; it has the potential to significantly shift the balance of power in the PVL. Should she join the Choco Mucho Flying Titans or another top-tier team, the dynamics of the competition will change dramatically. Teams that have long been considered favorites may find themselves facing a new contender, one strengthened by the arrival of one of the league's best players.
Laure’s versatility, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure make her a coveted player, and any team that signs her will undoubtedly become a top contender. Whether it's Choco Mucho or another franchise, Laure’s next move is set to be a game-changer for the PVL.
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