Creamline Cool Smashers’ Jema Galanza in the PVL All-Filipino Cup. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Jema Galanza is seeking to be more consistent for Creamline as Alyssa Valdez continues to miss games due to a right knee injury in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
After being held to just six points in the season opener, Galanza waxed hot in the second set to finish with 13 points as Creamline swept the underperforming Cignal, 25-16, 25-21, 25-15, to earn its second win on Thursday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The do-it-all spiker was eager to bounce back after she underperformed in her season debut.
“As much as possible I have to be more consistent and lessen my errors and the team as well,” said Galanza in Filipino. “We’re working hard in training and so far, we’re applying it in our games.”
“I have to keep a proper mindset while Ate Ly is still out. I have to be a leader on and off the court. As much as possible, I don’t want to pressure myself. I just have to enjoy the game,” she said. “And the leadership of Ate Ly is still there. She is always there for us during games to support us.”
The former PVL MVP credited her teammates for winning their first two games as she conspired with Michele Gumabao and Tots Carlos as well as team captain Jia De Guzman.
“I wasn’t the only one who played well today. I won’t be able to do it without my teammates. We showed great teamwork and we hope to sustain it in our upcoming games,” said Galanza.
DANGEROUS CHOCO MUCHO
Galanza and the Cool Smashers gun their third straight win against sister team, Choco Mucho Flying Titans, who dropped to 1-1 after losing to the Petro Gazz. Angels in straight sets.
Choco Mucho has yet to beat Creamline since 2019 but Galanza said they have to be wary of the intact Flying Titans under a new coach in Dante Alinsunurin.
“Now, they have a strong chemistry because the only change in their line-up is their coach. If they have the chemistry, we have to form a stronger bond because we’ve been together for a longer time compared to them,” Galanza said. “We will just apply what we do in training to our games.”