PVL: Creamline’s Jema Galanza out of Reinforced Conference
Creamline star Jema Galanza, right, won’t see action in the PVL Reinforced Conference due to a left foot injury.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Jema Galanza won’t be playing for Creamline at least for the entirety of the Cool Smashers’ title defense in the PVL Reinforced Conference.
Galanza has been ruled out of the conference as she continues her recovery from a left foot injury that she’s been dealing with since the Invitationals in August.
READ: PVL: Creamline outshines Petro Gazz in marquee duel
Jema Galanza gives an update bout her left foot injury. #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/5ROWZzkoey
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) October 14, 2025
“Actually, we don’t really know when it started. It’s been hurting for about a year already, but during the Invitational, the pain became something I felt every single day,” said Galanza, who was wearing a walking boot, in Filipino. “That’s when I told my PT that it didn’t feel normal anymore. I finally had an MRI, and that’s when they found something.”
Known for her competitiveness, the former PVL MVP this time said that playing through pain, which risks her career, wasn’t on the table, as per the advice of her physical therapist and doctor.
“It’s tricky because we don’t really know what stage the injury is at—is it already healing, just starting to heal, or is it still bad? So my coaches and PT decided that the focus now has to be full bone healing. I honestly don’t know how long I’ll be in this boot,” said Galanza.
“We always try to play through pain if we can, because it’s part of our job. But as an athlete, you also have to think about the longevity of your career. I can’t be sure if I’d last the whole season if I kept playing through it. And if it gets worse, the recovery will take even longer. The doctor also warned me that if I force it now, there’s a much bigger chance that it could end my career. So we chose to focus on proper healing rather than take the risk,” she added.
READ: PVL: Akari finally solves Creamline puzzle
In its first two games without Galanza, Creamline split its first two games without Galanza after dropping a five-setter to Akari in its opener on Saturday and bouncing back big time against Petro Gazz on Tuesday.
Galanza is grateful to have the full support of Creamline as she works her way back.
“Creamline has always been there for me. Of course, they’re sad I can’t play, but they also know that the more important thing is for me to fully recover and come back at 100 percent,” said Galanza.
“We still have a long career and a long season ahead. There are so many more chances to bounce back. And like they always tell me, there’s a reason why this is happening.”
