Despite playing without import Anyse Smith, Choco Mucho proved that heart and chemistry could outweigh firepower.
The resilient Flying Titans leaned on their battle-tested local core to turn back Cignal in four sets, 23-25, 25-19, 25-16, 27-25, and open their 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference campaign on a high note, Monday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The win came even with the 6-foot-1 American winger still unable to suit up, as her papers continue to be processed. It was yet another adjustment for Choco Mucho, whose original opening-day victory over Capital1 was nullified after teams played without their reinforcements due to pending International Transfer Certificates (ITCs).
But for team captain Maddie Madayag, the situation wasn’t new — and it wasn’t an excuse.
The 5-foot-11 middle blocker said that the Flying Titans have long learned to adapt to challenges, a resilience built from past seasons marred by injuries that often kept them from fielding a complete lineup.
This time, she added, the absence of their reinforcement only fueled the team’s determination to work harder and put greater trust in one another.
“Well, sanay naman na kami na may mga nangyayaring unexpected,” said Madayag after the match.
“Choco Mucho naman is a very resilient team — whatever you throw at us, I think we can already adjust at this point.”
(C) PVL Images
Madayag also lauded her teammates for stepping up in the face of adversity, saying the team’s depth and versatility shone through — and the numbers back her up.
She finished a game-high 18 points built on 11 attacks, six kill blocks, and an ace, including three of the Flying Titans’ last five points, capped by a match-winning service ace.
Meanwhile, Isa Molde added 17 points and 13 excellent digs. Des Cheng and Kat Tolentino chipped in 14 and 10, respectively, as Choco Mucho displayed poise and balance on both ends.
“It’s very healthy, and ang daming skill set ng mga teammates ko. Sa training naman, kahit sinong pinapasok, game naman. Kaya I think naging maganda siguro ‘yung naging outcome — kahit sino man ang papasukin niyo sa court, nagde-deliver at nag-ge-gel talaga ‘yung team,” she added.
For the former Ateneo star, the key moving forward is maintaining their health and rhythm throughout the grueling conference.
“I think na pinagdadasal lang talaga namin, at pinagtatrabahuhan namin na maging healthy kami at maging in top shape in this conference and in the upcoming ones,” she said.
“We’re working on it. I think there’s still time to mature, but we’re working on it.”
The Flying Titans will look to keep its momentum going when it faces reigning PVL On Tour and Invitational champion PLDT on Thursday at 6:30 PM at the same venue.
