While Alyssa Valdez is Creamline’s captain and best player, the Cool Smashers have the luxury of fielding another star open hitter in Jema Galanza.
The former Adamson University star showed her wares in Game One of the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference semis. Galanza helped the Cool Smashers recover from a set one stumble, pouring in a game-high 24 points while providing a staunch backline presence with 18 excellent receptions.
As it turns out, Galanza had extra motivation, since she was celebrating her 22nd birthday.
“Magandang gift ‘to sa akin. ‘Yun naman talaga ang wish ko for today. Sana susunod din na game namin, pati sana sa Finals,” quipped the winger.
“Kasi nandiyan ang family ko, friends ko, at mga fans na sumusuporta sa amin, sa akin. Ayaw ko rin namang maging sad ang birthday.”
Galanza knows that it will take a team effort to close out the balanced Petro Gazz Angels in Game Two on Saturday. She emphasizes the need to lessen their errors.
“Siguro ‘yung ma-less pa ang errors and every time na mag-error kami dapat bumawi kami agad. Kasi minsan may ano kami na na-stuck kami sa ganitong points, yun lang ang tatrabahuhin namin saka hard service and blocking.“
