![Aduke Agunsanya Choco Mucho PVL](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2023/11/IMG_0210_PVL-All-Filipino-Conference-Choco-Mucho-NXLED_Aduke-Agunsanya-620x413.jpg)
Choco Mucho’s Duke Ogunsanya.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines – After recovering from an ACL injury, Aduke Ogunsanya promises that she will always be ready for Choco Mucho whenever her number is called during the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) second All-Filipino Conference.
The fit middle blocker provided the spark off the bench, scoring all six points in the third set – the only frame she played – in Choco Mucho’s 25-11, 25-20, 25-19 sweep of Nxled on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.
Ogunsanya may not be a starter for the Flying Titans, who have a deep middle blocker rotation led by Maddie Madayag along with Cherry Nunag, Bea De Leon and Maika Ortiz, but she makes sure to deliver when she needs to.
“Right now I’m always ready. Even though I am not a starter, the mentality and confidence are there every time they call me,” Ogunsanya said in Filipino. “Working on my fitness during training doesn’t stop and my coaches are always ready to give me a push and help me catch up with the team’s new system.”
The former La Salle stalwart, who signed with Choco Mucho last year, admitted her recovery journey from a torn ACL in her right knee that she suffered in the Invitational Conference last season has not been easy.
“I didn’t expect my recovery process from an ACL injury to be tough and painful because I have a high pain tolerance and I always played through the pain when I got injured,” Ogunsanya said. “But [my body got used to it] and I trusted the process.”
After returning to the Flying Titans in this conference, Ogunsanya hopes to flourish under coach Dante Alinsunurin’s system, which gets the best out of middle blockers.
“Coach Dante’s system in blocking is challenging because it involves more lateral movement. But I promise to meet our coach’s standards, slowly and one day at a time. I see my improvement, but I am not satisfied. I always empty my cup so I can add more each day,” she said.
The Flying Titans have won four games in a row, forcing a four-way tie at 4-2, with PLDT, Petro Gazz and Chery Tiggo in second place.
“As we brace for our next opponents, it’s good that our coaches have given us confidence, especially the second stringers. By the time we face stronger opponents, I think everyone will be ready and committed to perform when we step on the field,” she said.