SANTA ROSA, LAGUNA — Jema Galanza has always been a crowd favorite wherever she and Creamline go.
But on Saturday night, it was more special as the proud daughter of Laguna returned home when the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference played at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex here.
The Cool Smashers remained immaculate after a four-setter win, 25-18, 22-25, 25-22, 25-12.
Leading the way for Creamline? An inspired Galanza in front of more than 5,000 fans inside the arena, including her family who came from San Pedro.
The 5-foot-7 open spiker out of Adamson University unleashed a team-high 17 points on 14 attacks, two blocks, and a service ace to go with 17 excellent digs for a complete performance.
“Sinuwerte lang,” quipped Galanza after getting the nod for Player of the Game.
“Happy lang din ako kasi nanood ‘yung family ko, ngayon lang ulit sila nakanood, kaya parang ganado rin maglaro,” she continued.
But before earning that plum, the Cool Smashers had to work for the victory as the HD Spikers equalized with a 25-22 second set.
Creamline then recovered with Yeliz Basa finishing with 14 points while Jeanette Panaga and Ced Domingo had nine and eight points, respectively.
Alyssa Valdez also contributed eight points and 16 excellent receptions that put the Cool Smashers leveled with Chery Tiggo at 3-0.
“Speechless lang ako sa mga sigaw nila sa pangalan ko and sa team,” shared Galanza.
“Sobrang nakakdagdag talaga sila ng motivation sa akin kasi everytime na maririnig ko talaga sila grabe gusto kong maglaro talaga nang maganda.”
