In the opening stretch of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, Jema Galanza has been the epitome of consistency for the Creamline Cool Smashers.
Yet, in true athlete fashion, the former league MVP sees room for improvement, vowing to elevate her game as the long season unfolds.
“Ito pa lang yung simula,” she humbly said, reflecting on her current form. “Marami pang mangyayari. For sure, mag-aadjust yung mga kalaban.”
Through three games, Galanza has shown why she remains an integral part of the defending champions. After averaging 13 points in her first two matches, the 28-year-old raised the stakes during Creamline’s latest outing—a thrilling four-set victory against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans (25-22, 25-20, 30-32, 25-20) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Galanza erupted for 24 points built on 22 attacks, a block, and an ace, capping her performance with 17 excellent receptions and nine digs. Her all-around effort fueled Creamline’s third straight win and solidified their hold on the top spot.
“Hindi, siguro nagpapasalamat lang ako sa sarili ko na kumapit yung sarili ko ngayong game,” Galanza said modestly, deflecting credit despite her standout showing.
Facing an eight-point deficit in the third set, Galanza became the Cool Smashers’ spark plug. Scoring five consecutive points, she forced the set into an intense back-and-forth battle, though Choco Mucho eventually took the frame. Undeterred, the Adamson alum bounced back in the fourth set, delivering clutch points to keep her team on track.
The rest of the Cool Smashers followed suit. Veterans Michele Gumabao and Bernadeth Pons delivered the decisive blows to secure Creamline’s hard-fought triumph.
“Yung third set kasi, siyempre yung Choco, basang-basa na rin naman kami,” Galanza explained, acknowledging the adjustments made by their rivals. “Alam na nila yung gagalawin namin, so yung mga errors lang, binawasan namin. Siyempre si coach din naman yung nagsabi sa amin ng kailangan naming gawin sa loob ng court and in-apply lang namin.”
As one of the league’s most reliable players, Galanza draws strength from her familiarity with her Creamline “family.” Now in her seventh year with the team, the San Pedro, Laguna native finds joy in the sense of belonging that has nurtured her growth as a player.
“Ako happy lang naman ako lagi na naglalaro ako sa Creamline kasi siyempre family, ito yung kinalakihan ko ba,” she shared. “Every time na gusto ko ng kumpiyansa sa sarili at mabalik ko yung laro kong gusto kong mabalik, so yun, super excited lang na maglalaro.”
While the Cool Smashers continue their quest for another championship, Galanza’s steady presence serves as a reminder of what it takes to win: consistency and the willingness to grow.
