IT’S been a tale of comebacks and debuts in Choco Mucho’s dream start to the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
For one, Maddie Madayag has finally returned to action for the Flying Titans after a one-season stint in the Japan SV.League with Kurobe AquaFairies.
READ Battle-tested Choco Mucho proves readiness anew in win vs. Cignal
Then came the addition of its seventh overall pick, Alas Pilipinas setter Tia Andaya, who had to spend months fulfilling her national team duties since being drafted before making her pro debut.
Both players returned and debuted for ‘Ube Nation’ in the team’s conference-opening 23-25, 25-19, 25-16, 27-25 win over Cignal.
Madayag topscored with 18 points on 11 attacks, six blocks and one ace while Andaya backed mainstay Deanna Wong in crucial late-set stretches with five excellent sets.
Choco Mucho has had to deal with one too many injuries and player absences in the past, but former captain Madayag is hopeful the team's fortunes has changed for the better,
“I don’t want to jinx it naman na it’s something big pero it’s been a long time coming din, working hard for it,” Madayag told SPIN.ph.
“At this point, we’re just very happy na healthy kami and nakapaglaro kami nang maayos. ‘Yun lang din talaga ‘yung focus namin na lahat kami in good shape.
“Nagfo-focus lang din talaga ako sa condition ko, sa body ko para I get to deliver sa team sa kung whatever they need.”
Titanic charge awaits
Andaya, 24, continues to learn the ropes as a Flying Titan and as a Philippine volleyball player altogether even with a few months worth of national team experience under her belt.
With her team starting to warm up towards her while being continuously being exposed to the nuances of the local game, it’ll only be a matter of time before Andaya gets to beef up Choco Mucho’s title bid on a regular basis.
“We have a well-balanced team where even though it was unfortunate Marlee [Smith] couldn’t play, we have other great players who could step up to the plate and carry the load,” the Fil-American playmaker said.
“It’s just probably the style of volleyball. It’s very different. Different hitters, everybody hits really different, everybody has a different skillset. Just adapting to that on the fly, that’s been the biggest challenge but it’s an exciting challenge.
Andaya added: “It’s been good [with Choco Mucho]. They’re all super nice and super welcoming. As I’m still learning Tagalog, they’re a little shy with the English sometimes but we’re connecting and it’s really good.”
Connecting with Wong, who has long held the fort for Choco Mucho, has also been imperative in her journey of acquainting herself with the team.
“I’m definitely learning from her. She has a lot of experience in Philippine volleyball but also with Choco Mucho so just learning the system from her and just watching and observing have been very helpful,” she added.
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