Despite dealing with tendonitis, Choco Mucho captain Maddie Madayag continues to be a pillar of strength and leadership for the Flying Titans in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Choco Mucho captain Maddie Madayag may not be at her peak condition, but she’s more than willing to deliver in any way possible for the Flying Titans in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
This was evident Saturday when Madayag rallied the Flying Titans to stave off a late fightback from the Akari Chargers, bouncing back from a stinging loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters several days ago.
The 5-foot-11 middle blocker produced 11 points built on eight attacks and three blocks, despite dealing with tendonitis for the last few outings.
“Tendonitis po, basta 'yun,” shared Madayag, who is not quite keen on revealing details of her physical setback.“Kailan siya nag flare up? Siguro overused lang din talaga, 'yun 'yung sabi ng doctor. For now may nafe-feel pa rin ako but nakakapaglaro naman ako ng maayos.”
Madayag sat out in Choco Mucho’s straight-set win over Cignal last March 14. She then came off the bench in the five-set loss to PLDT last Tuesday.
Staying true to her resilient spirit, Madayag refused to let any setback dampen her commitment to the team.
“Hindi naman nawala 'yung pagle-lead ko sa team even though I wasn't part of the starting lineup,” she said.
“Whatever I have to fill in the team, 'yun 'yung gagawin ko. And kung anong role 'yung ibigay ng coaches 'yun lang din gagawin ko.”
The former Ateneo stalwart also pointed out the eagerness of Sisi Rondina and the rest of the Flying Titans in taking charge for the team.
“Marami rin namang leaders sa team kahit na wala ako sa court physically, andun sila Sisi. Bawat isa sa team kaya nilang mag lead and 'yun nga, sundin lang namin 'yung sistema na gusto ng mga coaches, hindi naman po kami mahihirapan,” she said.
Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinusunurin lauded the resiliency of Madayag.
“Hindi lang naman ngayon e, dati naman na niya ‘yan ginagawa talaga nung collegiate days pa. Kaya thankful din ako sa naging pagtanggap niya sakin and siyempre ‘yung pagtitiwala ko sa kanila is sobrang sinusuklian niya,” the seasoned tactician said.
“Sobrang proud ako kahit na may nararamdaman, nilalaban pa rin talaga niya. Sana tuloy tuloy lang.”
Madayag and the rest of the Flying Titans, who now hold a share of lead with a 5-1 card, aim to continue jockeying for crucial positioning when they next face Galeries Tower on April 2, Tuesday.