Maddie Madayag matched the PVL’s single-game record with 10 blocks, but emphasized that Choco Mucho’s focus must shift toward regaining its winning identity in the 2025 Reinforced Conference.
History was made in Candon, but Maddie Madayag’s sights are set on something bigger.
The Choco Mucho middle blocker delivered a defensive masterclass with 10 blocks in the Flying Titans’ hard-fought 20-25, 22-25, 26-24, 19-25 loss to ZUS Coffee in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference on Saturday, November 8.
Madayag's 10 blockes tied the PVL single-game record originally set by Riri Meneses back in 2021 with Petro Gazz. This also propelled Madayag to the top of the Best Blocker leaderboard, now averaging 1.19 blocks per set across the preliminary round.
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Despite the milestone, the former Ateneo standout downplayed the individual feat, stressing her focus on the team’s performance and growth.
“You’re only as good as your last game,” Madayag told reporters. “I can’t really bring that to the next game. I’m always just doing my job inside the court. Trabaho lang talaga and kung ano ‘yung ma-co-contribute ko sa team, ‘yun lang.”
Regaining their winning mentality
For Madayag, the bigger concern lies in helping Choco Mucho rediscover its form amid an up-and-down conference.
The loss to the Thunderbelles put the Flying Titans on the brink of elimination with a 2-5 record for 9th place in the overall standings.
“I wouldn’t say we played that great today, but we have shown snippets of how we really play,” she said. “It’s a matter of figuring out how to play like ourselves again.”
Maddie Madayag and Choco Mucho in action during their four-set loss to ZUS Coffee in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. | Photo: PVL
The 27-year-old middle blocker believes that while the system remains solid, Choco Mucho needs to reignite its hunger and competitive fire heading into its final two games in the second round.
“I think it’s just a matter of wanting to win again — ‘yung want talaga na gusto mong manalo,” she explained.
“Skill-wise, okay naman kami. System’s good. Siguro ‘yung character namin inside the court ‘yung kailangan naming ibalik.”
Madayag and the Flying Titans will look finally get their bearings against the Creamline Cool Smashers on Thursday, November 13, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.