EJ Laure hopes that she finally makes her return to University of Santo Tomas next season.
The 21-year-old Laure has missed the last two seasons due to a shoulder injury.
"Hopefully next year. Sana," she said as the Golden Tigresses settled for a runner-up finish in the UAAP Season 81 women's volleyball finals, falling to Ateneo in the series decider.
During her absence, coach Kungfu Reyes has formed a potent crew and while MVP Sisi Rondina is leaving the team, Rookie of the Year Eya Laure is emerging as the new leader.
Though the season ended in heartbreak, Laure believes that UST is primed for big things ahead, especially with the impact the graduating Rondina has done to bring the supporters back.
"Syempre nakakaiyak. Hindi niya nakamit yung goal niya na championship, pero binalik niya ang crowd na ito kaya champion siya para sa amin," she said.
What boosts her optimism is her potential reunion with sister Eya as the Laure sisters try to replicate their success in the girls' division, when they led UST to the championship back in 2013.
"Syempre wala namang magbabago since nung high school kami. Nagka-team na kami, so siguro ganun pa rin kami sa college naman," said EJ, who is set to make her comeback with Foton Tornadoes in the Philippine Superliga.
The Golden Tigresses also have solid contributors in rookies Ysa Jimenez and KC Galdones, and fourth-year setter Alina Bicar.
"Hindi ko inakala na ganoon ang kaya nilang gawin. Hindi ko inexpect na ganoon ang gagawin nila agad. Nag-stand out talaga sila," she said, with outside hitter Milena Alessandrini also set to return from an ACL injury.
While UST showed it can challenge for the title, Laure says there is still much work to do to be back in this position.
"Paghihirapan talaga yan," she said.
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