Maddie Madayag delivered a timely lift for Choco Mucho as it closed the preliminary round of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on a winning note.

Playing through illness, Madayag finished with 10 points—built on nine attacks and a block—to help the Flying Titans turn back ZUS Coffee, 27-25, 22-25, 25-16, 25-19, on Thursday at Filoil Centre in San Juan City.

 

 

Photo: PVL

Fresh off a cleanup procedure on her knee, Madayag said the team is ready to take on any challenge in the next phase but stressed the need to find more efficient ways to win.

“It feels like we always have to struggle first before we win,” Madayag said. 

 

“But we need to realize there are other ways to get it done. It doesn’t always have to be that hard.”

 

 

Photo: PVL

She emphasized the importance of confidence and communication as the Flying Titans move forward after a 4-5 record and a seventh-place finish.

“We need to believe in how we can win and really connect as a team,” she said. “We have to communicate more and not just leave things as they are. Hopefully, we use this as motivation to keep our momentum going.”

Despite missing most of the preliminary round and still feeling under the weather, Madayag said she felt it was time to step up and provide leadership on the floor.

 

 

Photo: PVL

“I can still play through it. It’s not that bad, just a cold,” she said. “I think the team needs more leadership on the court to boost everyone’s confidence, so I felt it was time for me to come back.”

“I’m really thankful to the coaches because they didn’t rush me,” she said. “When I was cleared to train, I was able to ease my way back without pressure.”

With Madayag back in the rotation, Choco Mucho heads into the Play-In round looking to sustain its rise and stay in contention.