Laure return boosts Tigresses

University of Santo Tomas is thrilled to have Eya Laure anew as it sees action in Season 85 University Athletic Association of the Philippines women's volleyball tournament.

Tigresses head coach Kungfu Reyes said Laure's presence will be a big boost as she provides the scoring punches and leadership to their young squad.

Sideliners speculated that the 23-year-old hitter will turn professional after being tapped as brand ambassador by Chery Tiggo together with National University stalwarts Jen Nierva and Bella Belen.

We knew the decision when she posted on social media with her new car.

But in a social media post, Laure put an end to speculations, saying that she will be going back to school to lead it to another UAAP crown.

Reyes said he expects them to be contenders with Laure at the helm.

"We're happy. Even if we already knew she will stay, it's still a big help for us since we have new players here and having a presence like Eya is a big deal," said Reyes, whose wards will see action in the Shakey's Super League in preparation for the UAAP.

"We knew the decision when she posted on social media with her new car."

In Season 84, Laure led the league in scoring with 272 points and managed to get into the stepladder semifinals at fourth place but was knocked out by Ateneo de Manila University last June.

With the SSL pitting them against the best collegiate teams, Reyes sees this as a testing ground for them to get accustomed to playing with the cameras and fans watching.

The fledgling league's collegiate conference will allow fans at 100 percent capacity once it opens on 22 September, featuring eight teams from the UAAP and 10 teams in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

"This will be a battleground for the players, from last season's players up until the reserves. This will help build the composition of the team for Season 85. A lot of teams will enter here so they need to be at their best," Reyes said.

"This is exciting since all the UAAP and NCAA schools will be there so this will be a great exposure for everybody."