Choco Mucho's Tia Andaya. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA — After getting drafted in June at the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft, Choco Mucho's newest setter, Tia Andaya, felt like she "waited for forever" as she anticipated her debut for the popular squad.
As it finally came on Monday, Andaya let the joyous emotions flow, saying that it was "worth the wait."
They overcame two challenges — first, they played without import Anyse Marlee Smith; and second, they stopped the rebranded Cignal Super Spikers on their tracks.
READ: No import, no problem: Smith-less Choco Mucho nails first win at Cignal's expense
"Oh my gosh, it was a long time coming. I feel like I've been waiting for forever, but it totally paid off. It was worth the wait. It was a great team win," Andaya told reporters.
Andaya believes that they have a balanced team, even without Smith — and it became evident as they snatched the four-set 23-25, 25-19, 25-16, 27-25 win over the Super Spikers.
"I think we have a very well-rounded, well-balanced team where even though it was unfortunate Marlee couldn't play, we have other great hitters who stepped up to the plate and really carried the load," she said.
Andaya admits she's still learning Tagalog as she improves her connection with her spikers.
"They're all super nice, super welcoming. As I'm still learning Tagalog, they're a little shy with the English sometimes, but we're connecting and it's really good. I like it here," she said.
The Fil-American playmaker said that she's learning and observing from Deanna Wong, Choco Mucho's main setter.
"Yeah, I'm definitely learning from her. She has a lot of experience in Filipino volleyball, but also with Choco, so just learning the system from her and just watching and observing, it's been very helpful."