Jema Galanza had nothing but praises for Choco Mucho after ending Creamline’s 12-game winning streak against the Flying Titans in their head-to-head matchups over the past five years.
The 5-foot-7 outside spiker specifically pointed out the change in the Flying Titans’ demeanor due to their first-ever Finals appearance last conference.
Choco Mucho took the hard route to finally snap its long-standing 12-game drought against Creamline, securing a 13-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 18-16 reverse sweep on Tuesday to kick off the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals.
Galanza also heaped praise on Flying Titans head coach Dante Alinsunurin’s tweaks and changes that were monumental in the come-from-behind victory.
“Sobrang bilib ako kay Coach Dante (Alinsunurin) sa kanyang pag-aadjust, sa paraan niya ng pag-aadjust sa kanyang koponan sa isang laro,” said Galanza, who unleashed 23 points, 18 receptions, and 13 digs.
“Sobrang laking bagay din ng nangyari sa kanila last year na nakapasok sila ng Finals, sobrang nakakataas ng morale sa kanilang lahat.”
(C) Joaqui Flores/PVL
Creamline team captain Alyssa Valdez also noticed how the poise of Choco Mucho changed ever since their Finals appearance.
That was very evident as the Flying Titans were not rattled even after demoralizing losses in the first two sets.
“I guess more than the skills, after that finals appearance last conference, we’ve seen and we’ve felt also in today’s game most especially na grabe na rin ang puso at kalmado nila sa laro,” said Valdez, who had 21 points including crucial ones in the decider.
“I guess overall they’ve been improving mentally, physically, and as a team. It’s going to be a tougher and stronger Choco Mucho for sure.”
Despite the defeat, Galanza was still happy for Choco Mucho, their sister team. The Flying Titans finished tied for first after the elimination round with a 9-2 record, solidifying themselves as one of the title contenders in this conference.
“Happy lang din ako kasi as sister team namin sila, at least parehas kaming umaangat and mas maganda ‘yung mga pinapakita naming laban,” said Galanza.
