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    How Eya Laure pep talk helped Milena conquer Big Dome fears

    'Dito ka natumba, dito ka din babangon'
    Apr 3, 2023
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    PHOTO: UAAP

    MAY it be because of a crucial loss or a major injury, some places leave athletes scarred.

    Take UST spiker Milena Alessandrini for example. Playing at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday wasn't easy since it was the same place where she suffered a career-threatening ACL tear in her left knee in a Season 81 game against FEU.

    For captain Eya Laure, an eerily similar memory in Season 81 comes to mind when a left ankle sprain in Game Two of the Finals placed her at risk of missing out on the title decider at the Mall of Asia Arena.

    Leading by example, Laure used her experience to inspire Alessandrini in her return to the place that nearly saw the end of the Italian ace's budding career.

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      "Knowing na ito 'yung place [Big Dome] kung saan siya nagka-ACL [tear], kinakausap ko siya sa naging experience ko dati sa first game ko ulit sa MOA Arena after ma-sprain [sa Game Two ng Finals]," said Laure.

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      "Doon ko pinaghugutan yung lakas 'nung [Game Three]. Pagkalaro ko ulit, kailangan maayos yung ilalaro ko. Kailangan yung last na Eya na nakita nila na na-sprain, kailangan hindi na yun [yung bumalik]," she added.

      From one Thomasian Rookie of the Year to another, the skipper gave Milena a pep talk before the game against the Lady Spikers.

      Milena conquers her fears

      "Siguro may trauma sa kanya kasi dito nangyari [sa Araneta] pero masaya ako kasi nakikinig si Ate Amiga sa sinabi ko na 'dito ka natumba, dito ka din babangon, dito ka rin tatayo.'"

      Twenty big points and a big statement win later, Milena's homecoming at the Big Dome was one she'll never forget.

      The result?

      'Amiga' Milena had a breakout performance in the Tigresses' four-set romp over La Salle, slaying the ghost of her Big Dome mishap years ago.

      Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph

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      PHOTO: UAAP
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