Recovering Galanza still delivers for Creamline

ILOCOS NORTE -- Despite a right knee injury, Jema Galanza still provided the spark for Creamline when they needed her the most.

The reigning PVL Open Conference MVP contributed seven points with three coming from the service line of the crucial fourth set rally.

Creamline eventually won the match in five sets, 20-25, 25-15, 25-27, 25-19, 15-13, to score its third win in as many outings.

It was a gallant effort for Galanza, who was not even supposed to play in the match to rest her knee.

"I think hindi talaga ako palalaruin and ayun nga, sabi ko, ready lang ako kung ano 'mang sabihin ng coaches gagawin ko lang naman. So I think lalaro naman talaga ako if ever kailangan," said Galanza after the win.

The non-stop training from their bubble training at St. Paul American School in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga to the Ilocos PVL bubble definitely took its toll on Galanza.

Good thing for her, though, as the Cool Smashers now have the luxury to rest her considering their wide arsenal of attackers.

"Every time na tatalon sumasakit siya so natatakot lang din naman yung mga coaches na i-pwersa siya. So baka kung ano pa mangyari but hindi naman siya malala kaya kailangan lang siguro ng rest kasi ilang months na rin kami talagang nagte-training. Kailangan lang talagang mabalance yung rest saka yung training," she said.

"Sobrang mapapanatag ka talaga na alam mong kaya nilang mag contribute, na kaya nilang pumuntos and yun din naman yung ano, kahit sinong i-pasok naman talagang alam namin na kaya naming manalo."

Creamline's newest addition in Tots Carlos unloaded 26 points while the hard-hitting Alyssa Valdez ended up with 20 markers.

Also making their presence felt are Risa Sato and Michele Gumabao who had 13 and 12 points, respectively. (DJ)