Setting its sights on extending its dynastic reign with an unimaginable ‘five-peat’, Creamline found a tested leader to rely on in Jema Galanza to stay unbeaten in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference
Galanza unleashed another prolific all-around play, putting up 24 points on top of 17 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs to spearhead the Cool Smashers' 25-22, 25-20, 30-32, 25-20 win over sister team, Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Tuesday in front of 9,551 spectators at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The former league Most Valuable Player (MVP), who poured in 22 attacks, one block, and an ace, led the Cool Smashers in asserting their mastery of the Flying Titans, extending their head-to-head to 16-1—a matchup they have been dominating since the Rebisco sisters started facing each other in the 2019 Open Conference.
After her stellar showing that kept Creamline unbeaten in three games in second place behind league leader Cignal (4-0), Galanza was unanimously voted as the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week award presented by Pilipinas Live for the period of December 3 to 7.
"Nagpapasalamat lang ako sa sarili ko na kumapit yung sarili ko ngayong game," Galanza said. "Sabi ko nga kanina, nagsisimula pa lang 'yung season, so hindi pa ito 'yung time para ma-feel ko 'yung perfect 'yung game ko o flawless 'yung game ko. Marami pang mangyayari. For sure, mag-a-adjust yung mga kalaban."
Galanza's steady presence on the taraflex on both offense and defense helped her prevail over Galeries Tower’s versatile setter Julia Coronel, Cignal star Vanie Gandler, Petro Gazz standouts Brooke Van Sickle and Myla Pablo, and Chery Tiggo duo Cess Robles and Jen Nierva for the weekly plum decided by print and online journalists covering the competition, which is also streamed live and on-demand via Pilipinas Live app and on www.pvl.ph.
Despite the strong start, the Adamson product acknowledged that they still have targets on their backs with their opponents to shoot down the grand slam champions’ bid for another historic campaign in the PVL's longest conference yet.
With tougher games ahead, the 28-year-old star spiker will continue to lean on the Cool Smashers’ strong bond, cherishing her seventh year with the club.
"Ako, happy lang naman ako lagi na naglalaro ako sa Creamline kasi siyempre family, ito yung kinalakihan ko ba — ang tagal ko na, seven years na ito 'yung comfort zone ko," she said.
Galanza and the Cool Smashers look to end the year 2024 on a high note as they face the rising Zus Coffee Thunderbelles on Thursday, December 12, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
