Four the better of a decade, the University of Santo Tomas Junior Tigresses and Nazareth School of National University Lady Bullpups have dominated the UAAP Girls’ Volleyball division.
The protagonists of that heated rivalry are now debuting and thriving in the seniors’ division in Season 81. In their first clash, Eya Laure helped the UST Golden Tigresses take down NU, which features five players whom she took on in high school.
The NU girls arguably had Laure’s number in high school, winning four straight titles. But Laure has had more success in the seniors, largely thanks to having Sisi Rondina and the other veterans by her side.
NU are on a different path, having rebooted their program with their rookies gaining valuable experience, despite losing four of their five matches.
Foe Laure, this change in environment is exactly why she doesn’t dwell on the rivalry anymore.
“Hindi ko naman iniisip nang ganun. Iba naman talaga ‘pag college, iba ‘yung pinag-uusapan. So ‘yung high school, nandoon na iyon, leave it there,” pointed out Laure, who scored 20 points against NU.
“Parang itong college, bago naman ito parang ‘yung level ng laro dito, iba naman. So sabi nila coach na bago ako pumasok: ‘Kung ikaw, star player ka noong high school, parang sa college iba. So kailangang mo rin kumain nang maraming bigas para makapantay, makasabay sa college na level.”
The NU girls shared Laure’s sentiments. Libero Jennifer Nierva said it helped her preparation knowing Laure’s game.
“Iniisip ko lang na same pa rin ‘yung mangyayari. ‘Yung preparation, doon pa rin kami magbe-base. Alam naman namin ‘yung game niya. Preparation pa rin is the key. Siyempre, nag-adjust siya, since college na siya. Makikita naman po na may spikes siya na din namin makuha. Hindi lang ako maga-adjust, siya din,” shared Nierva, who had her best game of the season with 26 digs and 31 excellent receptions.
NU’s high-scoring tandem of Ivy Lacsina and Princess Robles both relished getting to continue their career and still having Laure as fierce competition.
“Masaya din kasi nagkakaharap pa rin kami. Parang, nandoon nanaman kami sa dating kami. Masaya lang na hanggang dito nagkakatapat pa rin kami,” said Robles.
“Iba na ‘yung excitement kasi iba na ‘pag seniors. Iba na ‘pag may mga beterano kang kalaban. Siyempre, inisip ko na lang din na same lang ‘to nung high school. Nadagdagan lang kasi may Rondina. Nag-enjoy lang din kami and nabigyan namin sila ng magandang laro,” Lacsina closed.
