Jema Galanza has been a picture of consistency in Creamline’s first three games of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
However, the former league MVP believes she has yet to hit her peak form and is determined to elevate her game as the five-month-long tournament unfolds.
Averaging 13 points in her first two outings, Galanza stepped up even further during the Cool Smashers’ thrilling four-set victory over Choco Mucho, 25-22, 25-20, 30-32, 25-20, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday night.
The Alas Pilipinas pool member erupted for 24 points on 22 attacks, a block, and an ace. She also added 17 excellent receptions and nine digs in yet another all-around effort for the defending champions.
“Hindi, siguro nagpapasalamat lang ako sa sarili ko na kumapit yung sarili ko ngayong game,” said Galanza, modestly downplaying her stellar performance.
“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-aadjust yung mga kalaban.”
(C) PVL Images
Galanza was instrumental in Creamline’s comeback from an eight-point deficit in the third set, scoring five straight points to force a deuce, though the Cool Smashers ultimately fell short in the extended frame.
The 28-year-old native of San Pedro, Laguna delivered again in the fourth set, keeping the Cool Smashers in step with the Flying Titans.
Michele Gumabao and Bernadeth Pons then closed out the match, securing their third consecutive win.
“Yung third set kasi, siyempre yung Choco, basang-basa na rin naman kami ng Choco Mucho. Alam na nila yung gagalawin namin, so yung mga errors lang, binawasan namin. Siyempre si coach din naman yung nagsabi sa amin ng kailangan naming gawin sa loob ng court and in-apply lang namin,” she explained.
With her recent performances, it’s clear the Adamson University alum is on an upward trajectory. She attributes her success to playing within her comfort zone and thriving alongside her Creamline family.
“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 – parang ito yung comfort zone ko,” Galanza shared.
“Every time na gusto ko ng kumpiyansa sa sarili at mabalik ko yung laro kong gusto kong mabalik, so yun, super excited lang na maglalaro.”
