Despite missing their highly anticipated reinforcement Anyse Smith, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans showed that heart, chemistry, and grit could triumph over raw firepower.
In a statement win that underscored their resilience, the Flying Titans turned back Cignal in four thrilling sets, 23-25, 25-19, 25-16, 27-25, to kick off their 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference campaign on a winning note, Monday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The victory came even as the 6-foot-1 American outside hitter Smith continued to await clearance to play, with her International Transfer Certificate still being processed. It was yet another curveball for Choco Mucho, whose original opening-day win over Capital1 was voided after the league decided to replay matches played without foreign imports.
But for team captain Maddie Madayag, these obstacles were nothing new. The 5-foot-11 middle blocker has seen her share of adversity in purple — from injuries that sidelined key players to tough breaks that tested their chemistry — and she believes that every trial only forged a stronger team.
“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.”
True to her words, the Flying Titans leaned on their local core to deliver an all-around performance built on teamwork and trust.
Madayag led by example, finishing with a game-high 18 points off 11 attacks, six kill blocks, and an ace. She also delivered three of the team’s final five points, sealing the victory with a service ace that sent the Araneta crowd roaring.
Isa Molde added 17 points and 13 excellent digs, while Des Cheng and Kat Tolentino chipped in 14 and 10 markers, respectively — proof of how every player rose to the occasion.
“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,” Madayag said, beaming with pride over her team’s depth and balance.
For the former Ateneo standout, maintaining that unity and conditioning will be the key as they navigate a grueling conference ahead — one that will soon see the arrival of powerhouse reinforcements across teams.
“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 added.
“We’re working on it. I think there’s still time to mature, but we’re working on it.”
With their captain leading the charge and their chemistry shining brighter than ever, Choco Mucho proved that even without their import, their bond was more than enough to lift them to victory.
