PVL Invitational: Creamline ends skid behind Jema Galanza

Jema Galanza and the Creamline Cool Smashers during a win over ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in the PVL Invitational. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Jema Galanza’s all-around game brought back Creamline to its winning ways, sweeping winless ZUS Coffee 25-15, 25-18, 25-21 in the PVL Invitational on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Already relegated to the bronze medal match, the Cool Smashers ended a two-game skid and finished the preliminary round with a 2-3 record behind Galanza’s 18 points, 13 excellent receptions, and 11 digs.

“My motivation really comes from my teammates and coaches. They never get tired of believing in us and trusting us,” said Galanza in Filipino. 

“In my eight years with the team, I’ve never really felt like our morale drops even after losses. Instead, we start thinking about what we need to fix. We’re kind of used to the idea that we just need to keep moving forward. I think our experience over the years really helps. Now, we just need to bounce back in the next game.”

Creamline takes on Chery Tiggo, which lost in five sets to Kobe Shinwa earlier, for a chance to win a second straight bronze medal and 19th consecutive podium finish on Sunday at 4 p.m.

“As for the two losses, that’s just how it is sometimes. What we did was move forward, focus on playing well today, and hopefully this win helps us build momentum for our final game in the Invitational,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses in Filipino. 

Creamline Cool Smashers’ Alyssa Valdez. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“In those losses, the team gave their 110%, and that’s what matters most. If you give it your all, then win or lose, there’s no regret. The mindset has always been to bounce back and stay competitive, especially in training,” he added.

With Creamline trailing 17-18 in the third, Galanza came to the rescue. She led a 5-0 run for a 22-18 advantage but Kate Santiago and AC Miner kept ZUS Coffee within striking distance, 23-21.

Rose Vargas drilled the finishing blows to seal Creamline’s win in less than 90 minutes.

Setter Kyle Negrito had 18 excellent sets and drilled four blocks for six points for the Cool Smashers. Alyssa Valdez and Michele Gumabao delivered nine points each, with the former having nine digs. Pangs Panaga and Sheena Toring added seven and six points, respectively.

Miner returned in ZUS Coffee’s final Invitation game with 15 points, but ended up winless in five games as a last-minute replacement for Kurashiki Ablaze.