Chery Tiggo's indomitable team captain, Aby Maraño, didn't just deliver a spectacular performance on the court against Creamline on Saturday night; she also left an indelible mark on the hearts of Santa Rosa fans at the Sports Complex.
Following the Crossovers' electrifying 25-18, 26-24, 25-23 triumph over Creamline, Maraño didn't retreat to the locker room like most athletes. Instead, she emerged to the delight of the crowd during the subsequent match between Galeries Tower and Capital1.
What followed was an impromptu meet and greet session, as Maraño graciously posed for pictures with eager fans lining the lower box section.
With a beaming smile that never wavered, Maraño spent nearly an hour accommodating everyone in line. Her dedication to ensuring every fan got their moment was palpable.
"How many hours was that? The Capital1-Galeries game is about to go to the fifth set, and I'm still here. Because for me, they don't get to come here often, they make an effort to come," Maraño shared.
Her commitment to the fans was unwavering. Even during an interview, Maraño paused to take a picture with a young admirer who patiently waited for her.
"I don't want anyone lining up and then I leave. I feel guilty knowing they walked far, and when they get here, they can't have their picture taken. So it's okay," she added.
As the line eventually dwindled, Maraño's efforts didn't go unnoticed. The crowd erupted into loud cheers and applause, moved by the middle blocker's genuine connection with the fans.
The atmosphere during the match between the Crossovers and the Cool Smashers was nothing short of electric.
Despite Creamline enjoying the lion's share of support, Maraño expressed gratitude for the Santa Rosa crowd's appreciation of all teams in the triple-header.
"When they ask for a picture with me, I truly appreciate it. It means they also appreciate me as a player," Maraño said.
While Maraño's personal stats might not have been astronomical, her impact on the game was immeasurable.
With only six points to her name, she provided the crucial energy and veteran presence that propelled the young Crossovers to a straight-set victory, halting Creamline's formidable 19-game winning streak.
Maraño's leadership extended beyond the court. In the face of back-to-back losses to Choco Mucho and Farm Fresh, she organized a three-day team-building retreat, personally cooking for her teammates and devising activities to lift their spirits.
Her efforts bore fruit as Chery Tiggo emerged from their slump with a resounding sweep of Creamline, a feat no other team had achieved since 2019.
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