With the core of Alas Pilipinas already released to their respective mother teams, Creamline Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses is keeping his fingers crossed for the return of star player Jema Galanza in their next crucial match. Galanza’s presence would provide a massive boost to the Cool Smashers, who are on the brink of achieving history.
The Cool Smashers, fresh off their 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference title win last week, booked a ticket to the Final of the Invitational Conference by defeating Cignal in four sets—25-18, 29-27, 17-25, 25-20—at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. With that win, Creamline secured a chance to clinch their 10th championship, and more importantly, to become the first-ever Grand Slam winners in PVL history.
Meneses expressed his hope that Galanza, a two-time PVL MVP, could suit up for their gold medal match. “Pag-mimeetingan pa namin yung about sa mga Alas players. So hopefully, makalaro si Jema kasi syempre gustong-gusto na rin maglaro ng bata,” said Meneses, clearly aware of the impact Galanza could bring. “Alam ko naman makakatulong siya sa amin pero siguro bukas, makakapagdesisyon kami.”
Galanza’s impressive resume includes being named the 2019 Open Conference MVP and Finals MVP in the 2024 All-Filipino Conference. Additionally, she has earned the PVL Best Outside Spiker award five times, cementing her as one of the league’s most dominant players. Standing at 5-foot-7, the San Pedro, Laguna native has been pivotal in all nine of Creamline’s titles.
While Galanza remained in civilian attire during their recent match, Cignal had already deployed their Alas Pilipinas stars, Dawn Catindig and Vanie Gandler, on the court. Earlier that day, the national volleyball teams had a courtesy call at the Senate, signaling the official release of the players.
Before heading into Thursday’s Final, Creamline will close out their elimination round against the winless Farm Fresh squad, which holds an 0-3 record. While the match may seem like a formality, the focus remains on Galanza’s availability and whether she can make a triumphant return to help Creamline chase PVL history.
A victory in the Final would not only add to Creamline’s already-storied legacy but would also mark a groundbreaking achievement for the franchise. Should they secure the Grand Slam, it would be a milestone never before seen in the league’s history—a testament to the Cool Smashers’ dominance and consistency in the PVL. All eyes now turn to Galanza, whose return could be the final piece in Creamline’s historic puzzle.
