Jema Galanza and the Creamline Cool Smashers in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals . –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — With Creamline’s backs against the wall, Jema Galanza never stopped believing in her team’s pedigree as a strong title contender in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Two days after losing their first semifinal games to sister team Choco Mucho in five sets, Galanza sustained her fine form with 23 points, 16 digs, and 14 excellent receptions as Creamline escaped Petro Gazz, 27-25, 23-25, 27-25, 26-24, to keep its Final hopes alive. on Thursday at Philsports Arena.
SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024
“Siyempre happy kami na nailaban namin. May mga parts ng game na parang, ‘Kakayanin pa ba namin? Makakahabol pa ba kami? Mananalo ba kami?” said an emotional Galanza after the game.
“Pero inisip lang namin na sa dami ng pagsubok namin ngayong conference. Ang daming nagdududa kami pero eto kami nasa harap niyo, kami yung mga taong hindi mawawala yung tiwala sa isa’t isa. Kaya naglaro kami ng lahat at nilaban talaga namin tong game na ‘to,” she added.
With Tots Carlos returning to action from South Korea, the Cool Smashers displayed grace under pressure with all four sets decided by two points.
Creamline Cool Smashers’ Jema Galanza. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
The 2019 PVL Open Conference MVP said they just enjoyed the moment to fight the pressure and overcome Petro Gazz’s challenge, led by Brooke Van Sickle and Jonah Sabete.
“Sabi sa amin ni coach na ang sarap maglaro kasi maliban sa madaming audience yung pressure andon. Natetest mo yung sarili paano ka maglaro. Inenjoy lang namin yung mga ganung pagkakataon and niremind lang namin yung sarili namin na hindi pa tapos, ilalaban natin ‘to kahit anong lamang ng kalaban,” said Galanza.
READ: PVL: Creamline has no time to wallow over semis loss, says Galanza
Creamline, which has a 1-1 record tied with Petro Gazz, needs to win its final semifinal game to reach the best-of-three championship series.
But Galanza is far from satisfied with their performance in the conference so far.
“Malayo pa hindi pa tapos. Ako hindi pa ako nasasatisfy sa nilalaro namin kasi wala pa kami sa dulo. Malalaman namin yan pag nandon na kami sa goal namin,” she said.