For five years, Jema Galanza proudly wore the Adamson University Lady Falcons’ jersey, even when the program was in the doldrums.
Last Wednesday, Galanza faced her former college team for the first time since exhausting her UAAP playing eligibility earlier this year.
Now a champion with the Creamline Cool Smashers, Galanza was in peak form against her past teammates, tallying a classic, all-around line of 11 points, 13 digs and eight excellent receptions.
The Cool Smashers made short work of the Lady Falcons, but Galanza took note of the San Marcelino-based squad’s pesky floor defense, for which the program is most well-known.
“Actually napapagod kami kasi ang floor defense nila sobrang hirap. Kahit gaano kalakas ang palo namin, nakukuha nila,” shared the 21-year-old.
“Sobrang nakaka-proud na nabalik yung trademark ng Adamson na maganda ang floor defense.”
The native of San Pedro, Laguna made sure to jeer at the current Lady Falcons, most of whom she remains good friends with.
“Inaasar ko lang sila kasi hindi sila makatingin sa akin kasi baka pagalitan sila ni coach Air [Padda], pero inaasar ko sila. Nakakatuwa kasi nakikita ko ang improvement nilang lahat kahit wala ako talagang lumalaban sila.”
With Season 81 coming around the corner, the former Queen Falcon has high hopes for the Lady Falcons, particularly for Bernadette Flora, who took her spot on the rotation.
“Si Flora kasi nandoon na ang defense, nandoon na ang palo. Siguro mas maging matured pa siya sa paglalaro kasi first time nya rin siguro na mag-first six,” said Galanza of the diminutive open hitter.
“Kasi last year specialist lang. Mahaba pa naman ang preparation sa UAAP.”
