MANILA, Philippines – A lifetime fantasy was realized for 24-year-old volleyball rookie Eya Laure on a Saturday night full of hope and realizations.

In the prestigious Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference, Laure was going up against her lifelong idol, the legendary Aiza Maizo-Pontillas of Petro Gazz. As the evening went on, it turned into a noteworthy moment in Laure’s career that will go down in the annals of the sport she adores.

Aiza Maizo-Pontillas’s great performance demonstrated Laure’s potential and her great respect for her. She contributed significantly to Chery Tiggo’s hard-fought victory over Pontillas’ Angels, finishing with 21 points that included four service aces, two vital kill blocks, and 15 strong attacks. The final scores of 25 to 15, 27 to 25, 18 to 25, and 25 to 23 hardly captured the ferocity of the contest.

The pivotal point occurred in the second set when Laure led her team to an exhilarating 27 to 25 victory after trailing 22 to 24. This triumph in the second set not only tied the match but gave Chery Tiggo a 2 to 0 lead, paving the way for a thrilling battle.

Laure was not let down by Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, the legend who encouraged her to follow her love of volleyball. With 14 points, mostly from 11 potent attacks, Pontillas—a star in her own right—led the Petro Gazz squad. Consequently, the game became a display of both contemporary talent and the impact of legends on future household names.

In volleyball, Eya Laure has a particular place in her heart for her idol, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, to whom she wished to give thanks at a big match.

Their mutual background with the University of Santo Tomas is the source of Laure and Pontillas’ relationship. Because of her extraordinary abilities and commitment to the game, Laure is regarded as a legend among the Golden Tigresses. But what’s most remarkable about their relationship is their mentoring dynamic, which is partly motivated by the fact that Pontillas is eleven years her senior.

Laure was unabashed in her praise of Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, whom she had admired since her first experiences with the sport. Laure honors her idol by sporting the number 8 on her jersey, highlighting the significant influence Pontillas has had on both her career and personal life.

Eya Laure has been influenced by Aiza Maizo-Pontillas in ways that go beyond the volleyball court and touch the very essence of her passion for the sport. Laure’s love for volleyball was sparked by seeing her idol play, and this led her to develop into a formidable player.

Aiza Maizo-Pontillas’s guidance and motivation to Laure serve as a reminder of the deep respect for the journey of the game and the meaningful connections that may be made across generations via athletics.