Creamline Cool Smashers’ Jema Galanza during a PVL All-Filipino semifinals game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Jema Galanza and the Creamline Cool Smashers won’t cry over spilled milk as they move forward from their five-set collapse to sister team Choco Mucho and fight to win their remaining semifinal games in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
“That’s life. You win some you lose some. But the important this is we learn something from this, said Galanza after the tough 13-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 18-16 defeat to Choco Mucho on Tuesday evening at Philsports Arena. “We only have one day to fix things in training before we play against Petro Gazz.”
Missing three-time MVP Tots Carlos in their first semis game, Galanza gave her all with 23 points, 18 excellent receptions, and 13 digs but it wasn’t enough to give Creamline a winning start in the semis.
SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals 2024
The former PVL Open Conference MVP said they should not wallow in the heartbreaking loss, where they blew a 2-0 lead, as they need to shift their focus on winning their remaining semis games for them to reach the finals.
“This is normal because everyone in the semis wants to make it to the Finals,” said Galanza. “We won’t take too long thinking about this loss. We shouldn’t be sad with what happened in the game. What’s important is we get some good rest because we need to train well for Petro Gazz.”
The Cool Smashers try to keep their championship hopes alive against the Petro Gazz Angels, who beat them in the elimination round and won their first semis game against the Chery Tiggo Crossovers.
READ: PVL: Playing without Tots Carlos no excuse for Creamline loss
If Creamline and Chery Tiggo lose on Thursday, Petro Gazz and Choco Mucho will forge a best-of-three Finals duel.
Despite remaining locked in on their goal to bounce back, Galanza still praised the Flying Titans after winning against the Cool Smashers for the first time in 13 meetings and five years.
“I’m really impressed with Coach Dante (Alinsunurin) with the way he adjusts every game. Their Finals stint last year really had a big impact on them because it bolstered their morale,” said Galanza.
“Maddie already said they’re not just anybody now and that’s true. I’m happy they’re our sister team and we’re both on the rise because we can give a better showing,” she added.