In a heart-stopping showdown reminiscent of their 2022 Open performance, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans soared into the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) semifinals for the first time in two years.
The Philsports Arena witnessed an exhilarating clash as the Flying Titans showcased resilience and determination, ultimately conquering PLDT in a nail-biting five-set thriller.
The tension in the air was palpable as the Flying Titans fought tooth and nail, securing their semifinal ticket with a 25-20, 23-25, 18-25, 25-17, 15-12 victory. Maddie Madayag, the team's indomitable middle blocker, stood at the forefront of this triumph, absorbing the waves of emotions that engulfed her in the aftermath.
"Tonight was an emotional rollercoaster because it only sank in after the win that we've made it to the semis," Madayag confessed, tears still glistening in her eyes during the post-game interview.
Reflecting on the team's last shot at the semifinals in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Madayag recounted the challenging moment when she suffered a torn ACL, preventing the Choco Mucho squad from pursuing a podium finish.
The significance of this victory was not lost on Madayag, who expressed gratitude and relief that the team finally found its rhythm under the guidance of head coach Dante Alinsunurin. After finishing seventh in both of the coach's first two conferences, this triumph marked only the third time in eight conferences that the Flying Titans secured a coveted spot in the semifinals.
"After the last points, I shouted 'Thank You Lord!' It's the only thing on my mind—He didn't abandon us. The team is really there now, going where Coach Dante wants us to go," Madayag exclaimed, visibly emotional. With 18 points to her name, including the game-clinching block on Erika Santos, Madayag played a pivotal role in securing the long-awaited semifinals berth.
The journey was far from easy for Choco Mucho, as they battled back from significant deficits in both the fourth and fifth sets. In the fourth set, the High Speed Hitters took a commanding 7-1 lead, only to be met with a fierce comeback from the Flying Titans. Similarly, in the decisive fifth set, PLDT gained a 10-6 advantage before a collective effort from Deanna Wong, Caitlin Viray, Isa Molde, Sisi Rondina, and Madayag orchestrated a remarkable turnaround.
"I was extremely emotional with the win because it was such a beautiful game. We were down by several points, but we fought back in the fourth set," Madayag shared, emphasizing the team's unity and determination. "Every time I stepped on the court, I'd say, 'Please! Let's catch up, please!' We'd look into each other's eyes and say, 'Hold on until the end because we've worked hard for this. Let's finish it properly.'"
For Choco Mucho, the sweet taste of victory is not just in reaching the semifinals but in the journey of overcoming obstacles, making each hard-fought point a testament to their unwavering spirit and collective effort.
