The PetroGazz coach has been tapped to handle the Soaring Falcons for the upcoming UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament. Jerry Yee is returning to UAAP as he takes over the head coach post in Adamson.

He is replacing Lerma Giron who came close in bringing the Lady Falcons to the Final Four on an 8-6 win-loss record and only lost to Ateneo in the knockout match for the fourth and final spot in the step-ladder playoffs.

The Filipino-Chinese tactician previously coached University of the Philippines from UAAP Seasons 76 to 79.

Besides those teams, Yee is also the program director of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation’s youth team.

On the other hand, Eya Laure earned her bachelor’s degree, but still has a year of eligibility in the UAAP.

UST Coach Kungfu Reyes is letting Eya Laure take her sweet time on deciding on what her future will be.

“Baka pagbalik, doon natin malalaman. Binigyan muna natin sya ng mahabang time para makapag-isip”. Said Reyes.

Laure, 23, just graduated with a bachelor’s degree in tourism management last Wednesday and came home to Dipolog where she will take a two-week vacation before making her choice.

Reyes said that there are already parties wooing Laure to return to España for one more season, among them Chery Tiggo owner and Tigresses backer Rommel Sytin.

If Laure decides to play for one more year, she will have to enroll on a master’s program to be able to suit up for UAAP Season 85.

Reyes has had his own discussions with Laure, telling the daughter of former PBA player Eddie to not have any regrets if ever she chooses to bid UST goodbye.

“Kahit ako, gusto ko isa pa [na season with Laure]. May usapan kaming dalawa eh and open ended yung usapan na yun. Until such time na mismo sa kanya nanggaling yung she will be back and play for the next season or mag-pro na siya, binibigay namin sa kanya yun,” he said.

“Again, matured naman na siya at alam niya ang makakabuti para sa kanya. Yung collegiate life niya, kung meron pa siyang gustong i-fulfill, baka dumating yung panahon na sabihin niya sana naglaro pa ako dahil may unfinished business. Hopefully doon kami, na kailangan niya tapusin talaga [yung college career niya].”

Whatever Laure’s decision will be, though, Reyes promised that UST will be there backing her up, saying, “Ano’t ano man ang maging desisyon niya, we’ll support her. Pero syempre we’re hoping.”

As for the Tigresses, Reyes is optimistic for the team after exiting at the stepladder stage of UAAP Season 84, drawing solid contributions from the likes of Yssa Jimenez, April Tapia, and Camille Victoria.

“Ang maganda lang nito in how many years, nandito na kami sa Final Four,” he said. “Pinagtatalunan na lang yung twice-to-beat, yung makalaro ng Finals. Yun ang tina-target namin, na makuha namin yung crown at maibalik yun sa Espana. Pero hindi madali kasi lahat gustong makuha yun. At least nakabalik na ulit, nakakaensayo na kami, medyo at least napilit namin.”

Yet, UST is still hoping Eya Laure would suit up one more season in the UAAP.