Jema Galanza was full of regrets after Creamline’s valiant comeback fell short in Game 1 of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals against Petro Gazz.
The Cool Smashers clawed their way back from a two-set deficit to force a decider, only to falter once again in the fifth set, absorbing a 17-25, 20-25, 25-18, 25-20, 10-15 loss on Tuesday night at a jam-packed Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Though the loss stung, the 5-foot-7 outside hitter remained hopeful.
“Sayang, sayang kasi nilaban ng third and fourth eh, tapos hindi lang talaga namin natapos nung fifth,” Galanza shared after the game.
“May Game 2 pa naman, hindi pa naman huli ang lahat. So magre-rest lang kami tonight and then prepare kami ulit tomorrow para sa next game,” she added.
Galanza came off the bench and played a pivotal role in Creamline’s resurgence in the third and fourth sets, but found herself effectively contained in the final frame.
(C) PVL Images
The San Pedro, Laguna native tallied 10 points — an impressive showing considering she saw limited action in Creamline’s last two games. Head coach Sherwin Meneses had previously clarified that Galanza was healthy and her benching was purely a tactical decision based on match-ups.
Looking ahead to Game 2 on Thursday, Galanza believes it’s crucial for the Cool Smashers to start strong and set the tone early.
“Siguro yung kailangan, una pa lang lumaban na kami agad. Kung kaya namin pumuntos ng anim, walo dire-diretso, una pa lang dapat ilaban namin,” she stressed.
Coach Meneses made key adjustments after the 0-2 hole, subbing in Galanza for Alyssa Valdez and Michele Gumabao for Tots Carlos — moves that sparked Creamline’s temporary turnaround.
But in the end, it was MJ Phillips who powered Petro Gazz in the fifth set, steering the Angels away from a potential collapse and toward a 1-0 series lead.
Now, Creamline finds itself in unfamiliar territory. The defending champions must win two straight games to preserve their four-title streak and keep their All-Filipino crown.
#WATCH: “HINDI PA NAMAN HULI ANG LAHAT”
Jema Galanza reminds everyone—Creamline’s fight for the #PVL2025 All-Filipino crown is far from over
@justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/Q3nDc2FGCh
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 8, 2025
