PVL: Jema Galanza returns in style as Creamline nears Grand Slam

Creamline Cool Smashers’ Jema Galanza returns for the PVL Invitational Conference. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Better late than never for returning spiker Jema Galanza as she is eager to help complete Creamline’s historic Grand Slam in the 2024 PVL Invitational Conference Final on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After missing the team’s title run in the Reinforced and their first three games in the Invitationals due to her Alas Pilipinas duty, Galanza returned in style with 13 points, eight excellent receptions, and five digs as Creamline completed an elimination round sweep with a 25-15, 25-13, 25-19 victory over the winless Farm Fresh on Wednesday at Philsports Arena.

Although she got the go signal late like other Alas players, Galanza is ready to offer whatever she can contribute with Creamline having a chance to complete a Grand Slam — a feat it couldn’t complete in the past two seasons. 

READ: PVL: Creamline overcomes Kurashiki by staying ‘disciplined’

“When Coach needs me, I have to be ready—physically and mentally. I’ll apply everything I’ve learned from Alas,” said Galanza, who registered 11 kills from 21 attempts and contributed two blocks while playing in the last two sets for import Erica Staunton.

“I’m happy to be back with Creamline. As for adjustments, it won’t be too difficult since we’ve always been doing the same training, and the system is already familiar.”

Galanza, the All-Filipino Conference Finals MVP, expressed gratitude to her teammates, especially Reinforced Conference and Finals MVP Bernadeth Pons, Staunton, and Michele Gumabao, for stepping up during her absence due to injuries to stars Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez.

READ: Endure the exhaustion Creamline battle cry to complete Grand Slam

“I trust Coach Sherwin [Meneses] because his system hasn’t changed over the years. The remaining players are all excellent athletes who carry their respective schools. The key is to build a stronger connection, which they achieved even in our absence,” she added.

Galanza and the Cool Smashers battle the winner of the Kurashiki-Cignal match in a winner-take-all on Thursday at 6 p.m.

She stressed the importance of rest and recovery as Creamline played four games in the last six days, just a week after beating Akari in the Reinforced final.