The Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles needed a transcendent performance to overcome a determined University of Santo Tomas side. And that’s what Maddie Madayag gave them.
With her team reeling and down two sets, Madayag roamed the net fiercely, stifling UST’s attackers as best she could.
When the dust settled, the Lady Eagles had eked out a five-set win and maintained top status in the UAAP Season 81 Women’s Volleyball standings.
Madayag – in what she would call a less important coincidence – scored a career-best 23 points, which included a league-record 11 blocks.
Always the team player, Madayag was in disbelief that she’d had such a marvelous individual performance.
“I don’t know what to say. I just played my game, I guess, and contributed whatever I can for the team. I just gave it my all. This is for my team, this is for the school, this is for the Lord, and not really for myself, because it’s a team thing,” the Davaoeña said when informed that she had broken the blocks record previously held by La Salle’s Celine Hernandez.
“I always strive, I always aim higher naman. I don’t settle. So kung anong ma-achieve ko, lalagpasan ko pa ‘yan.”
At 7-1, the Lady Eagles have a strong shot at making the Final Four with a twice-to-beat incentive. However, Madayag remains wary of the still-long road ahead.
“I told them naman na nothing ever comes easy. Sinabi ko rin sa teammates ko na, hindi madadaan ‘yan sa ‘We’ve been here’. Kasi you never know what’s gonna happen so you have to work for it,” the 5-foot-11 spiker shared.
“I told them naman na binigyan tayo ni Lord ng chance, so let’s just grab it and make the most out of it. ‘Wag naman nating sayangin yung binigay sa ating opportunity.”
