NINE years since they first donned the iconic Ateneo Lady Eagles jersey together as rookies, Maddie Madayag and Bea De Leon won't be sharing the same side of the court when the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season begins.
Following De Leon's blockbuster move to Creamline with fellow Ateneo ace-turned-Choco Mucho standout Denden Lazaro-Revilla, the Flying Titans' incoming captain shared how she felt about the departure of her longtime teammate.
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"I've been with Bea (De Leon) since my first year [in Ateneo], magkasama talaga kami. Pero we're happy na she found a new home with Creamline and we know na mas marami pa siyang matututunan and mas mag-ggrow pa talaga siya as a person," said Madayag.
"It's gonna be different playing against her kasi my whole career — siguro both of our careers — we've been together in a team, in one team. So ayun sige, tingnan na lang natin sa games," she added.
Bringing the energy to 'happy happy' Creamline
Creamline captain Alyssa Valdez, who was one of Madayag and De Leon's team seniors during their title-winning rookie season in 2015 (UAAP Season 78), revealed how thrilled she was to find out that one of her proteges will now suit up for the Cool Smashers.
"I was very excited na when they announced that Bea would be part of the Creamline Cool Smashers. Why? Because I think there are a lot of memories and mga firsts din namin during our Ateneo days. It's just so nice to do that again in a professional team sa Creamline Cool Smashers," Valdez said.
And it is also the glaring on-court dynamism and character of the UAAP Season 81 champion and Finals MVP which Valdez is eager to witness firsthand once more.
"One thing I miss about Bea is her energy as well. I think we all know that Creamline has been very 'happy happy' and I think it's a good balance also seeing how Bea would react and celebrate every point, and we'll support her also in that way. 'Di ba, Bea?"
Valdez added: "Kidding aside, Bea will be a great help in our team as well and we're just really looking forward na talagang mag-shine and makuha niya ulit 'yung game niya in the team and also Denden Lazaro-Revilla."
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