With the odds stacked against them, team captain Maddie Madayag believes resilience will be the key for Choco Mucho as they head into another finals encounter against Creamline without three key players.
The Flying Titans secured their second consecutive finals appearance, setting up a rematch with the Cool Smashers in the finale after defeating Petro Gazz, 23-25, 26-24, 25-19, 25-20, in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference semifinals.
Unfortunately, Choco Mucho will be without Aduke Ogunsanya and Des Cheng, both still recovering from ACL tears. Making matters worse, the Flying Titans are set to miss Kat Tolentino, who played a crucial role in their run to the finals last year, due to an auditory condition.
The Flying Titans lost to Creamline via sweep in the Second All-Filipino Conference finals last December.
(C) Joaqui Flores/PVL
“May mga hugot kami. Kasi marami kaming teammates na down. Tatlo sila this conference. Wala si Kat, wala si Aduke, si Des,” said Madayag.
“Gusto lang talaga namin is maglaro para sa kanila. Kasi, wala, siyempre, gusto naming makasama sila sa loob na makakapaglaro sa loob,” she added.
Despite the absence of the three players, Madayag vowed to fight on for Choco Mucho as they aim to secure their first-ever championship in franchise history.
“Parang it’s always against our odds. Always kong sinasabi na resilient ang Choco Mucho. Kahit anong gawin mo, suntukin nyo kami, bugbugin niyo kami, babangon at babangon kami. Yun ang dadalhin namin sa Finals na Kahit anong mangyari lalaban at lalaban kami,” said Madayag.
The 5-foot-11 middle blocker played a crucial role against the Angels, scoring 11 points to help the Flying Titans end the semifinals with a perfect 3-0 standing and secure the final spot in the best-of-three finale, which will begin Thursday.
“Sana makita ng teammates ko na kaming bawat isa, gaano naming gusto makuha ito. Gutom na gutom na kami. We’re hungry to get that gold,” she said.
“I think naman nafe-feel ng teammates namin na gusto rin nila makamit ang gusto namin. Gusto naming ma-inspire sila, and sana, sabi ni Sisi, sabay-sabay kami umangat sa finals.”
