Laure sisters lead Chery Tiggo over Farm Fresh

MANILA, Philippines — Chery Tiggo drew strength from the sister duo Eya and EJ Laure as it launched its bid in the PVL All-Filipino Conference on a high note with a 25-21, 25-23, 25-22 win over a revitalized Farm Fresh yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Eya and EJ unloaded 14 and 13 points, respectively, as the Crossovers claimed their first win that they hoped would help them reclaim the title they last won in the Bacarra, Ilocos Norte bubble two years ago.

“I’m just happy that the players are healthy,” said a relieved Chery Tiggo coach Aaron Velez.

Eya, a former University of Santo Tomas superstar who is hoping to carve a name in the pros, said they just refused to lose.

“Nasabi na ni coach na slow start and test of character, ayaw talaga namin matalo,” said Laure.

It was a heartbreaker of a defeat for the Jerry Yee-mentored Foxies, who led in the first set (20-16), the second (10-7) and the last (18-10), but just couldn’t hang on to it.

Farm Fresh, paced by Tricia Tubu with 15 points, appeared headed to stealing a set and potentially turning the tide in its favor when it zoomed to an 18-10 advantage. But it proved to be its last hurrah as Princess Robles spearheaded a furious comeback that helped Chery Tiggo knot the count at 19.