Creamline-PH’s Jema Galanza. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Banking on Creamline’s familiarity, Jema Galanza knew that the Philippine women’s volleyball team would bounce back strong from a lethargic third set loss to Iran and close out its first victory in the AVC Cup on Wednesday at PhilSports Arena.
After taking the first two sets, the Filipinos lost steam in the third and went down as many as seven points, 12-19, with the Iranians never looking back and forcing another set.
But the Cool Smashers displayed grace under pressure, especially Galanza, who poured eight of her 21 points in the fourth set, to put the Philippines on the brink of the quarterfinals with its first win in three games in Pool A.
The former Premier Volleyball League MVP, who has been in Creamline since 2017, was confident that her squad will not let the fans down as they have proven it several times in the club competition.
“The team has a strong connection and chemistry. We really know that everyone from our team would bounce back,” said Galanza in Filipino.
Even Michele Gumabao, who scored 13 points, agreed with Galanza in saying that they are used to crawling their way back from a setback.
“Sa Creamline sanay na kami naghahabol. (Creamline is used to fighting back),” said Gumabao sharing a laughter with Galanza.
The do-it-all outside spiker waxed hot in the fourth for a formidable 23-11 lead and nailed the game-winning attack to end a two-game skid in Pool A.
“Coach always reminded us to apply everything we trained in the game. We didn’t need to rush scoring points and doing the things we need to do. We just had to address our mistakes in the third set,” said Galanza.
After going 1-2 so far, Galanza said the Philippines is brimming with confidence — their team’s strength — heading into their last pool game against South Korea, which is winless in three games.
“We have the confidence every game. Confidence is the most important factor for us. We have to be confident not just against Korea but for the rest of the tournament,” she said.
A win by the home team would secure its berth to the quarterfinals as the No.3 seed of Pool A to set a knockout duel with Pool B’s second-best team.