CITY OF SANTIAGO — With its lineup finally back at full strength, Creamline is finding more reasons to enjoy the game, and the results are following.
Jema Galanza said having everyone available has allowed the Cool Smashers to embrace a different rhythm in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Siklab series, where they have opened their title defense with four consecutive victories.
After dealing with injuries and absences due to Alas Pilipinas commitments over the past year, Creamline has reunited its full lineup, giving the team a chance to rediscover the chemistry that has made it the winningest franchise in the league.
“Sobrang happy ako kasi lahat talaga nagpe-perform at nagko-contribute,” said Galanza, who finished with a game-high 16 points and nine excellent receptions in the Cool Smashers’ straight-set win over Capital1 on Thursday at the Santiago Sports Arena here.
“Lagi ko sinasabi sa interviews na lahat naman deserving makalaro, so I think itong season na ’to talaga para sa lahat talaga ’to.”
(C) PVL Images
With a deeper rotation at their disposal, the Cool Smashers have embraced a system that allows different players to make an impact rather than relying on a fixed core.
For Galanza, having everyone back has also made the game more enjoyable, as each player gets an opportunity to contribute while drawing excitement from seeing her teammates deliver under the league’s all-to-play format.
“Sobrang babaw sa iba, pero sa amin, mas ine-enjoy namin ’yung game kasi, ’yun nga, nakakalaro lahat. So, alam mo ’yun, nae-excite din kami sa isa’t isa kung ano ’yung mabibigay ng bawat isa sa amin,” said Galanza.
“Lagi naman, pero malaking bagay talaga pag kumpleto kami kasi mas nakakapag-isip nang maayos si Coach She kung paano iikot ’yung tao, ganyan. And ayun, malaki naman talaga ’yung contribution talaga.”
That sense of enjoyment has become a defining feature of Creamline’s early run, with Galanza hoping the Cool Smashers can sustain the same energy and chemistry as they continue their title defense.
“So parang imbes na mas nagfo-focus kami sa laro, ine-enjoy namin nang magkakasama.”
