Despite falling short of the title in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Maddie Madayag finds solace in Choco Mucho’s resilience.
As Bea de Leon nailed the championship-sealing hit and jubilation erupted among the Creamline Cool Smashers Sunday, Choco Mucho captain Maddie Madayag gathered the rest of the Flying Titans, urging them to keep their heads high after such a valiant stand.
Even amid such an emotional moment, Madayag fulfilled her leadership duties, providing support for her heartbroken teammates. However, as the reality of falling short of the title dawned upon her, she found it challenging to contain her emotions, tears streaming down her face.
The outcome was truly heartbreaking. Despite holding a set lead and coming within four points of forcing a Game 3, Choco Mucho ultimately bid farewell to their title hopes in Game 2 of the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Finals.
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“Naiyak lang din ako kasi masakit na masakit talaga,” Madayag bared.
“Kung na-extend pa namin yung series, lalaban talaga kami at lalaban para makuha yung championship.”
As painful as the loss, Madayag finds solace in the resilience displayed by the Flying Titans throughout a challenging campaign, marred by the absence of three key players.
Choco Mucho's injury woes began during the 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference when Des Cheng suffered an ACL tear in her right knee, sidelining her indefinitely.
The setbacks continued into the 2024 season-opening conference, with Aduke Ogunsanya sustaining an ACL injury in her left knee during their campaign opener against Nxled. Midway through the preliminaries, Kat Tolentino was also sidelined due to an auditory condition.
Despite these significant setbacks, the Flying Titans rose above doubts and persevered. They finished the elimination round with a 9-2 record before sweeping the semis, returning to the Finals for the second straight conference and ending a commendable silver.
“I'm still very proud of the team, lalo na ang daming nabawasan sa amin no. So sabi nga nung coaches, lalo na nung nawala si Kat, parang they didn't expect us to sweep the semis kasi we're down three people already. Pero yun nga, I always say basta may nahuhulog na teammate, palaging may nagse-step up para bawian,” Madayag said.
“I'm very happy with the run kahit na kinapos na naman kami. Sobrang proud pa rin ako sa naging performance ng team.”
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With the conference now behind them, Madayag looks ahead to the return of their injured teammates to full health and action.
“I'm very excited lalo na pag pabalik na yung teammates namin. Hopefully, kaya na nila, by the end of this year. I'm not sure about the timeline. Sobrang excited lang din ako for them to return,” Madayag said.
Having gained valuable experiences, Madayag believes that their long-awaited title breakthrough is within reach.
“I believe that in God's perfect time makukuha rin namin,” she said.