Eya Laure, Imee Hernandez bid UST goodbye as they look to turn pro

Eya Laure and Imee Hernandez have bid their goodbyes to University of Santo Tomas as the two volleyball stars look to make a big leap to the professional stage.

This marked the end to Laure's legendary 12-year run with the España squad, where she played from high school until she blossomed into a more lethal outside spiker in the collegiate ranks.

In her rookie year in Season 81, Laure helped UST reach the championship round alongside another star in Sisi Rondina. However, they fell short against the eventual champion Ateneo de Manila University.

The 24-year-old high-flyer has one more year to don the black and yellow in UAAP, but said that she's ready to move forward.

"Paano ko ba sisimulan? Paano ko ba tatapusin? Hindi enough ang space for caption para maikwento ko lahat ng kwentong UST na meron ako. Mga kwentong UAAP," Laure said in a lengthy post.

"Pangako, kahit saan man ako mapadpad, bitbit ko ang pagmamahal n'yo. No goodbyes. Just see you again."

Minutes before Laure said her farewell, Hernandez also said she's parting ways with UST.

Hernandez has two more years to play in the UAAP but the young middle blocker said she has decided to end her collegiate career as she also finished her studies with the university.

"UST community, you have been with me through all the battles and I am forever grateful," Hernandez said.

"Now that I am done with my studies, with you by my side, I am more than ready to face the bigger challenges that lie ahead as I continue to pursue my passion for the game of volleyball on a grander stage and under brighter lights. I have decided to go professional."

Laure and Hernandez played key roles in UST's Final Four finish in the recent UAAP Season 85, where the Golden Tigresses racked up 10 wins and four losses.

—Bea Micaller/MGP, GMA Integrated News