MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine women’s national volleyball team is getting ready for the AVC Challenge Cup for Women 2024, which promises to be a huge match.

Sisi Rondina from Choco Mucho and Jia De Guzman from Denso, two dangerous players who are expected to lead the charge in the much awaited competition that will take place at the iconic Rizal Memorial Stadium from May 22 to 29, are the squad’s main players.

A number of seasoned professionals, such as Eya Laure and Jennifer Nierva from Chery Tiggo, Dawn Macandili-Catindig and Vanie Gandler from Cignal, Dell Palomata from PLDT, and Cherry Nunag, who is proudly wearing the colors of Choco Mucho, are joining Rondina and De Guzman.

Leading the charge for Akari are Faith Nisperos and Fifi Sharma, who are joining the roster.

At the federation’s recent nickname reveal ceremony, Tats Suzara, the president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, officially confirmed this formidable squad.

However, there is more talent out there. Bella Belen from National University and Angel Canino from De La Salle University are two of the team’s many outstanding UAAP players.

The tough roster is completed by UE’s Alyssa Solomon, La Salle’s Julia Coronel and Thea Gagate, and UE’s Casiey Dongallo.

Locally: Captain Maddie Madayag is proud as Choco Mucho overcomes the difficulties.

The sibling clubs Choco Mucho and Creamline engaged in an epic duel in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals that left players and spectators alike crushed with pride and sadness. It was an emotional collision of volleyballs.

Maddie Madayag, the captain of Choco Mucho’s squad, experienced a severe emotional rollercoaster as their hopes of winning the title were dashed in a resounding loss to their fierce opponents, the Creamline Cool Smashers.

The Flying Titans had taken control of the series and were within striking distance of requiring a deciding match after taking a 2-1 set lead. However, destiny had other ideas, handing them a crushing defeat in a five-set thriller that culminated in a very tight defeat, 25-20, 20-25, 25-22, 22-25, 11-15, at the venerable Smart Araneta Coliseum on a gloomy Sunday night.

Madayag struggled with the anguish of losing and broke down in tears, saying, “I just cried because it really hurts.” If the series continues, we will continue to work hard and persevere to win the championship.”

For Choco Mucho, there had been many challenges on the path to the championship. The club had to overcome adversity head-on after losing important players like Aduke Ogunsanya and Kat Tolentino to injury early in the season and going into the game without Des Cheng.

Nevertheless, they came together and showed tenacity and will that helped them advance to back-to-back finals appearances.

Madayag’s pride in her squad was overwhelming, especially in light of the challenges they had to overcome. “I’m still very proud of the team, especially because we lost so much.”

The Flying Titans surprised everyone by winning the semifinals and putting up a strong fight in the championship game, even though the odds were stacked against them.

The departure of important figures made room for others to take center stage. Players that stepped up to fill the vacuum left by their wounded teammates and contribute to the team’s incredible voyage were Sisi Rondina, Thang Ponce, Chery Nunag, Royse Tubino, and Isa Molde.

Choco Mucho’s determination is unyielding in the face of the setback, and they are anxious to make a return and restart their quest for greatness.

When Maddie joined the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in 2018, her adventure in the PVL officially started. Coaches and spectators were immediately drawn to her exceptional performance and unwavering devotion, which cemented her status as a vital member of the club. She inspires young athletes to follow their ambitions with unshakable dedication by showcasing her talent, resiliency, and team spirit in every game.

Maddie is renowned off the court for her modest outlook and dedication to lifelong learning. She has become a role model for young athletes due to her commitment to her profession and the success of her team, showing them that patience, hard effort, and discipline are the keys to success in any pursuit.