Creamline Cool Smashers’ Jema Galanza. –PVL PHOTO
CAGAYAN DE ORO — For Jema Galanza, staying unbeaten in seven games adds more pressure to Creamline’s title retention bid in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) second All-Filipino Conference.
But the Cool Smashers’ passion for the game and the team’s remarkable togetherness have been helping them stay on top of their game despite the daunting task and grueling 12-team competition.
“Lagi namin iniisip na mahal namin yung ginagawa namin. Kaya kahit anong pagod, kahit minsan nakakapressure na, lagi namin iniisip na mahal namin yung ginagawa namin at mahal namin at isa’t isa kaya namin ginagawa ito,” said Galanza after Creamline remained unbeaten in seven games with its 25-23, 25-21, 25-19 victory over PLDT on Saturday
(We always remind ourselves that we love what we do. So no matter how exhausted we are, despite all the pressure, we always remember how much we love this and we love each other, that’s why we’re able to pull through.)
Galanza gifted her fans among the 9,862 spectators at Aquilino Q. Pimentel International Convention Center here with 12 points, five digs, and five receptions to help Alyssa Valdez propel the Cool Smashers.
Valdez also said that while they have different sources of inspiration, the team’s common denominator is offering this conference to their overseas players Jia De Guzman, who is playing for Denso in Japan, and Nakhon Ratchasima Asian import Ced Domingo in Thailand.
“We wanna make our teammates who are playing in Japan, Jia and Ceddie [Thailand], proud. This conference is really different for us. We have different individual inspirations, but as a team, we’re holding on to our training and togetherness, Valdez said.
The 2019 PVL Open Conference MVP didn’t expect to sweep PLDT but their quick win spared them more time to rest as they fly back to Manila on Sunday before facing Nxled on Thursday at Philsports Arena, where they will try to clinch a semifinal berth.
“We weren’t expecting [a sweep] because PLDT has been playing great the past few games. We were surprised, but happy to get the results since we’re able to rest early since we have a hectic game schedule,” said.
Galanza thanked CDO for its loud cheers and warm welcome as Creamline enjoyed its stay in the City of Golden Friendship.
“Nakakakilabot kasi grabe yung sigawan di namin naririnig yung isa’t isa. Nakakakilabot na talagang lahat sila sinusuportahan kami. Lagi nilang sinasabi na naappreciate nila yung ginagawa namin sa laro,” Galanza said.
(I got goosebumps. It was so loud, we couldn’t hear each other anymore. Their support is amazing and they always tell us that they appreciate what we do in the game.)