Jema Galanza spearheaded the Cool Smashers’ relentless charge, finishing with 16 points and 11 excellent receptions to anchor the team’s crucial recovery in the second set and sustain its momentum in the third. Her all-around brilliance powered Creamline to a fourth consecutive victory and the solo lead.
After another superb all-around performance earned her the Best Player of the Game honors, Galanza emphasized the importance of staying composed and giving their best under pressure.
“We just enjoy the game and give our best, even under pressure,” said Galanza in Filipino.
Reflecting on Creamline’s second-set scare, when the Solar Spikers nearly pulled off a stunning comeback after trailing 9-19, Galanza acknowledged the experience as a valuable learning opportunity for the team.
“Those moments were exciting, but the most important thing for us was to finish the game. That’s what we work on during training. Perhaps that was a lesson for us, so we’ll know what to do in our upcoming games,” she said.
With the semifinal round looming, Galanza remains determined to keep the Cool Smashers moving forward and building on their winning momentum.
"We will always give our best and make sure everyone gives their best effort,” said Galanza after the quick one-hour, 37-minute sweep.
Bernadeth Pons came off the bench to fire 11 points, while Alyssa Valdez, Pangs Panaga and Tots Carlos chipped in seven, six and five points, respectively, underscoring Creamline’s scoring depth.
The Cool Smashers also flexed their muscle at the net, piling up 51 attack points – 11 more than the Solar Spikers – and finished with 10 blocks against Capital1’s 4 as they contained their rivals’ vaunted trio of hitters.
Kyle Negrito orchestrated the offense with composure in the clutch, while Galanza delivered the finishing blows as Creamline weathered Capital1’s furious rally from a seemingly hopeless 10-point deficit in Set 2. The Cool Smashers’ ability to respond under pressure underscored the balance and experience that have long made them one of the league’s most formidable teams.
Capital1 looked headed for a quick set loss before mounting a remarkable fightback, fueled by Belen and Gandler, whose attacking strikes were complemented by superb floor coverage and sharp anticipation. The Solar Spikers turned defense into offense, repeatedly frustrating Creamline with well-timed counterattacks and gradually breathing life into a set that had appeared all but decided.
The rally gathered steam as Capital1 erased the 10-point gap and drew level twice, the last at 22 after Bea de Leon sent a quick attack wide. But just when the Solar Spikers threatened to complete the stunning turnaround, the Cool Smashers found another gear.
Pons restored Creamline’s lead with a combination play, countering Gandler’s own hit off the same attacking pattern. The exchanges grew increasingly tense as the Cool Smashers squandered five chances to close out the set, with a successful Capital1 challenge adding to the drama and further delaying the inevitable.
Yet Creamline refused to crack.
With the set hanging in the balance, Negrito stepped up with a clever 1-2 play to break the deadlock and put the Cool Smashers back at set point. This time, they made it count. Capital1 struggled to handle an overpass, and Ezra Madrigal’s soft quick left the ball invitingly in play for Galanza, who hammered home the decisive attack to finally end the Solar Spikers’ resistance.
It was a heartbreaking finish for Capital1, whose tenacity, defensive coverage and timely counterattacks had nearly turned a lopsided set into a stunning steal. But the Solar Spikers’ gallant recovery ultimately ran into Creamline’s trademark composure and ability to deliver when the pressure peaked.
