Nearing the end of her first conference as semi-professional player in the Shakey’s V League, Laoag Power Smashers wing hitter Jema Galanza is already en route to at least a fourth place finish.
The Power Smashers lost in the semifinals against the more experienced Air Force Lady Jet Spikers, and in Game 1 of their Battle for Third match-up versus Bali Pure, but Galanza sees this more as an achievement.
“Nakaka-proud, kasi bata pa nga kami, ta’s ang nakalaban pa namin, mas matatanda,” she said.
“Sabi nga ni Coach [Nes], ‘Nakaka-proud kayo, kasi lumaban kayo. Hindi kayo basta-basta sumuko nang ganun ganun na lang’.”
Although she won’t be joining Adamson University in the Collegiate Conference of the Shakey’s V League to focus on her studies, the Adamson University standout says Laoag’s Open Conference run is good for her morale heading into her last year in the UAAP.
“Ang laking tulong sa’kin na parang ganyan, ‘yung crowd, sobrang [wild]. So pagdating ko ng UAAP, masasanay na ‘ko.”
“Kakayanin ko na ‘yung pressure sa labas tsaka sa sarili ko,” said the senior Lady Falcon.
Asked about the possibility of moving to another team for the next seasons if an offer comes, Galanza said she will undoubtedly stay.
“Siyempre ayaw ko na rin namang mahirapan, kasi bago kami at binubuo pa kami. Bakit pa ‘ko lilipat? Magandang umpisa na ‘to para sa’min. ‘Di na ko magda-dalawang isip pa na mag-stay,” she said.
Aside from the experience of professional play, the rookie Power Smasher is also thankful for her fans who support her whatever team she belongs to.
“Natutuwa ako, kasi hindi sila nagsasawang suportahan ako tsaka ‘yung team namin, Team Laoag man or Adamson. Sana mas hindi sila magsawa. Thank you talaga, kasi sila ‘yung nagpapalakas ng loob ko,” she concluded.
