Eya Laure confident Tigress rookies will step-up for UST

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 26) — Confident and secure, outgoing Tigress Eya Laure believes she is leaving the Golden Tigresses in the capable hands of rookies who she thinks will step-up for the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

Laure told CNN Philippines’ Sports Desk that the remaining Tigresses will now have a chance to grow as they fight for the España-based squad.

"Naisip ko na kung aalis man ako ng UST ngayon, I feel kaya din ng mga bata – ng mga rookies namin. Alam ko na may mga mag-step up pag alis namin. Meron at meron mag-blossom," Laure said.

[Translation: I was thinking that if I'm leaving UST now, I feel that the kids — our rookies, can handle it. I know someone will step-up when we leave. They will blossom.]

After competing as a Thomasian for 12 years, Laure announced that she will be foregoing her remaining eligible UAAP year to turn pro, alongside UST middle blocker Imee Hernandez. 

Laure and Hernandez will be leaving the Tigresses' den to rookies Regina Jurado and Bernadett "Detdet" Pepito — who helped UST force a Final Four format in Season 85.

Filipino Italian Milena Alessandrini, who made a comeback from an injury, will also continue to fuel the Tigresses' offense.

Laure and Hernandez have yet to reveal the professional teams they will be joining.