Jema Galanza shows grit, all-around brilliance to propel Creamline back into PVL Finals
Creamline’s Jema Galanza (23) during the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals against F2 Logistics. PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Jema Galanza put on the finishing touches in the second set that set the tone for their finals-clinching 25-22, 25-23, 25-16 win over F2 Logistics in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
With the score was tied at 22 in the second set, Galanza came to the rescue for the Cool Smashers as she scored the last three points for a two-set lead en route to their Game 2 sweep of the Cargo Movers in the best-of-three semifinal series.
“Iniisip ko lang na gusto kong manalo, gusto naming manalo. Sino ba ako na para sumuko para sa team ko na lahat sila lumalaban para manalo,” said Galanza, stepping up again in the absence of injured star Alyssa Valdez.
(I wanted to win, all of us wanted to win. Who am I to give up when my teammates are fighting to win?)
The former PVL MVP delivered the goods with an all-around performance of 11 points, 15 digs, and 12 excellent receptions to help Creamline book its fifth straight All-Filipino finals and eighth overall appearance.
“Ginawa ko lang lahat, as in kung ano yung mga sinasabi nila sa akin, kung sumigaw sila na kailangan kong pumalo, papaluin ko lang. Ramdam ko naman talaga kasi yung support ng lahat kaya laban lang nang laban,” Galanza said.
(I did everything that my teammates and coaches told me. When they shouted at me to spike, I will attack. I felt everyone’s support that’s why I kept on fighting.)
Galanza breathed a sigh of relief that they overcame a tough F2 Logistics-a team they failed to beat in their past two elimination round meetings.
“Thank you, Lord we made it through this game. As coach said, it was a tough game because both teams prepared well. We’re thankful to our coaching staff because they gave us good preparation. The team didn’t give up,”she said in Filipino
Galanza insists that the fight is not yet over as they try to win their second straight All-Filipino title in the best-of-three Finals series starting Sunday against either Petro Gazz or PLDT.
