The 2024–25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals are far from over, thanks to the relentless spirit of Jema Galanza. Despite battling a sprained thumb, the 28-year-old outside hitter stepped up when it mattered most, propelling the Creamline Cool Smashers to a crucial win over Petro Gazz in a nail-biting five-set thriller on Thursday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After sitting out the initial game of the series, where Creamline fell in five sets, Galanza returned to the starting lineup in Game 2, her determination shining through despite her injury. She delivered a composed and consistent performance, scoring 13 points to help her team force a winner-takes-all Game 3.
"Siyempre happy na nakalaro, nakalaro nang matagal, pero malaking bagay din po 'yung tiwala na binibigay ng team, lalo na si Coach She [Meneses] sa akin. Kailangan ko lang talaga gawin 'yung trabaho ko," Galanza shared post-match. "Wala na gagawin kasi isang laro na lang 'to, isang kalaban na lang kakalabanin namin so focus na lang do’n, wala naman dapat isipin kundi gawin ‘yung trabaho."
The Cool Smashers kept their championship aspirations alive with a 25-15, 16-25, 25-21, 15-25, 15-9 victory, with Galanza playing a pivotal role throughout. Her steady presence was felt in every set, especially in the crucial fifth, where Creamline outlasted the Angels, setting up an all-important Game 3 on Saturday.
Game 1 was not without its own drama for Galanza, who was subbed in during the first two sets before being promoted to the starting lineup for the remainder of the match. Her spark off the bench in Game 1 had helped galvanize her team, but the Cool Smashers were unable to clinch the win.
As the series heads to its decisive final game, Galanza’s mindset remains one of sheer determination. With the weight of the season's challenges behind them, she and her teammates are ready to leave it all on the court.
"Siguro isipin na lang namin sa haba ng season, sa dami ng challenges na nangyari sa 'min, ayaw na lang namin masayang 'yung pagod, ginawa namin sa haba ng [conference]. Last game na, io-all out na namin, bigay na namin lahat ng lakas na kaya naming ibigay kasi alam mo, ito 'yung parang mabigat na championship [series] na naranasan namin," Galanza remarked with conviction. "So ito 'yung magandang experience 'pag nag-champion kami. So ie-enjoy talaga namin lahat ng pressure na ibibigay sa'min."
With the series now tied at 1-1, the Cool Smashers and the Angels will face off in a final showdown that promises to be one of the most memorable in PVL history. And for Galanza, it’s all about giving it everything she’s got for that coveted five-peat.
