Tears fell after the Philippines survived the five-set challenge of Australia via a 21-25, 25-19, 19-25, 25-18, 15-12 win to advance to the battle for fifth place, Sunday at the PhilSports Arena.
The Creamline-powered Nationals, most if not all players, were seen crying after the game and for Jema Galanza, it’s a mixture of two reasons.
“Siguro dahil ito sa sobrang saya ko, siguro sa pagod na rin dahil wala, dire-diretso talaga ‘yung laro namin,” said the 25-year-old Galanza, who punched in 18 points in the contest, including five in the decider.
“Siguro naiisip ko lang ‘yung mga taong hindi nagtitiwala sa team namin pero nagawa namin makapunta dito kung nasaan kami ngayon,” continued the native of San Pedro, Laguna.
“Sobrang happy lang din talaga ako sa ginawa ng team kasi talagang lumaban.”
And another reason for that emotional outburst was Galanza was dealing with pain throughout the game.
The 2019 Premier Volleyball League Open Conference MVP was hurt in their quarterfinals outing against Thailand last Saturday.
“Nandoon pa rin, hindi ganoon talaga ka 100 percent pero siguro puso na lang din talaga ‘yung nandito and arcoxia,” bared Galanza.
With the huge escape against the Volleyroos, the Philippines advanced to the battle for fifth against neighbor Chinese Taipei tomorrow at 1 pm.
Despite the fatigue of playing three games in 41 hours, the national team will leave it all on the taraflex tomorrow.
“Nandito na kami eh, bakit pa namin pakakawalan ‘di ba?” stated Galanza.
“Ito na ‘yung pinakamataas na mapupuntahan ng Philippines sa AVC so ipupush talaga namin and ilalaban namin kung anong kaya namin bukas.”
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