Ateneo gets lift from sophomore Madayag

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Ever since Alyssa Valdez donned Ateneo’s colors, the two-time MVP has been the Lady Eagles’ main offensive weapon.

Bea De Leon and Amy Ahomiro are considered as secondary options of the defending champions and in Valdez’s final year, Ateneo could have another viable player to complement its star as the tournament goes along. 

Maddie Madayag, who wasn’t used much in her rookie year, proved her worth as a legitimate starter for the Lady Eagles in their opening day win over the National University Lady Bulldogs on Sunday.

Madayag finished with 13 points, including the match’s final point when she denied the attempt of NU’s Myla Pablo, to help Ateneo win in straight sets.

Madayag has the tools to become a star and time to develop into one. But stardom is the least of her worries.

“My focus is just on the game,” Madayag said. “I’m really practicing myself not to get distracted with other things. My focus is just on the game and on training.”

Madayag’s presence was felt throughout the match as she went against the tallest player in the league in the 6-foot-5 Jaja Santiago at the net.

Standing only 5-foot-8, Madayag had the unenviable task of containing Santiago. And based on the numbers, it was the Atenean who came out on top as she limited the towering middle blocker to 11 points.

“I just do my best. We train everyday. I don’t have any expectations. If I score a point, I just celebrate.”