Jema Galanza delivered the biggest hit that completed Creamline’s comeback against Petro Gazz in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference finals on Thursday night.
Following the first-set loss, the Cool Smashers bounced back to take the next two sets. Then they raced to a 24-15 advantage in the fourth set, one point away from finishing the job.
With the stage finally set, Galanza seized the spotlight and fired a searing crosscourt attack that pierced right into the Angels’ defense, securing Creamline’s second-straight All-Filipino Conference crown.
“Gusto ko lang talaga manalo. Yun lang. Wala nang iisipin pa kundi pumalo. Yun nga sabi ni coach sa amin, pumalo,” said the former PVL MVP after the win.
“Papagalitan ‘yung di pumapalo, so pumalo lang. Kung ano ‘yung trabaho mo sa court, gawin mo lang, and yun nga, dapat ‘yung mindset mo ay manalo.”
Galanza, named one of the Best Spikers of the conference, finished with a game-high 19 points on 19 attacks to go along with 16 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs in Game Three.
The Cool Smashers had a rough start to the series, losing Game One in four sets. They then kick-started their comeback attempt in Game Two with a huge five-set victory.
“Sobrang happy po kasi nararamdaman na rin po namin ‘yung pagod kasi tatlong laro po against Petro Gazz, pero ‘yung mindset po namin ay hindi po namin pababayaan tong game na to kasi gusto po naming mapasaamin ‘yung championship,” said Galanza.
“Lalo na ‘yung nangyari last year, so gusto talaga namin mabigay ‘yung momentum sa amin ngayon.”
