Well aware that the level of competition continues to rise, Jema Galanza and the rest of the Creamline Cool Smashers know they have to work harder than ever as they gear up for the 2025 PVL On Tour semifinals.
The Cool Smashers endured a challenging group phase in the preseason tournament, suffering rare back-to-back losses to Cignal and ZUS Coffee.
It was a clear sign that the league’s level of play has significantly improved — especially after Creamline’s run of four straight championships ended just a few months ago at the hands of Petro Gazz in the All-Filipino Conference.
“Sabi ni Coach She na talagang ngayong PVL season — I think last conference pa lang talaga, lahat ng teams nag-improve, lumalaban talaga,” said Galanza.
The team also had to bounce back from earlier setbacks this year, including a quarterfinals exit in the 2025 AVC Champions League. According to Galanza, the focus now is on learning from those mistakes and making sure their game continues to progress.
After a shaky pool phase, Creamline entered the quarterfinals with renewed focus and determination—bringing with them the lessons from their earlier struggles.
It showed on Saturday night.
(C) PVL Images
The Cool Smashers dominated Farm Fresh in straight sets, 25-19, 25-19, 26-24, to secure their place in the semifinals of the PVL On Tour at the Philsports Arena.
“So kami, mas nagfo-focus kami doon sa ilalalaro namin. ‘Yung mga talo or mistakes namin nung nagkaraan, ganun talaga — may mga pagkakamali, pero ang importante na naaayos namin. I think mas okay ‘yung game namin, and sana madali namin sa semifinals,” she said.
Galanza, who tallied 10 points and six digs in the win, also noted how much the team benefited from the 19-day break leading up to the match. Creamline clinched an outright quarterfinal berth early, giving them extra time to rest and recover.
“Maganda po dahil nga sunod-sunod na rin ‘yung semifinals, tapos kung maka-finals, so importante din ‘yung 19-day break kasi nagkasakit. Ta’s siyempre, hindi maiiwasan na minsan may mararamdaman ka sa katawan mo kasi talagang magkasunod na game ‘yung On Tour,” Galanza said.
“Nagpapasalamat kami na nagkaroon kami ng mahabang break para mas ready din kami mentally dahil sunod-sunod ‘yung mga games namin.”
