Creamline Cool Smashers star Jema Galanza showcased her trademark poise and all-around brilliance, leading her team to a 25-22, 25-20, 30-32, 25-20 victory over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Tuesday night.
The win solidified Creamline’s unblemished record in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference and underscored why Galanza remains one of the most dependable players in the league.
Even Choco Mucho ace Sisi Rondina, a teammate of Galanza on the Alas Pilipinas national team, couldn’t help but marvel at her opponent’s unwavering composure under pressure.
“Jema ‘yan eh, syempre Jema ‘yan,” Rondina said, acknowledging Galanza’s performance.
Galanza’s stat line was nothing short of stellar: 24 points on 22 attacks, a block, and an ace, complemented by 17 excellent receptions and nine digs. Yet, her numbers alone don’t capture the full extent of her impact—particularly during a pivotal moment in the third set when Creamline found itself on the ropes.
After dominating the first two sets, the Cool Smashers stumbled in the third, with Choco Mucho racing to a commanding 21-13 lead fueled by an 8-2 run. Errors plagued Creamline, and the Flying Titans seemed poised to extend the match.
But Galanza had other plans.
With laser focus and determination, she ignited a furious rally, scoring five straight points to narrow the deficit and put Creamline back in contention. Using her offensive versatility, she delivered a mix of sharp crosscourt kills and well-placed attacks that rattled the Flying Titans' defense.
Though Creamline eventually fell short in the extended 30-32 set, Galanza’s heroics—including scoring nine of her team’s last 17 points—kept the Cool Smashers competitive and set the tone for their bounce-back win in the fourth frame.
Rondina, who battled Galanza across the net and had shared the court with her as a national team teammate, was full of admiration.
“Alam ko kung paano siya maglaro and syempre nakasama ko rin siya sa Alas,” Rondina shared. “Grabe ‘yung composure niya and doon talaga ako tumitingala sa kanya kasi grabe siya magdala rin ng team. Napakakalmado and syempre gawa, gawa talaga siya.”
Despite her team’s loss, Rondina expressed pride in Choco Mucho’s fighting spirit, particularly their ability to push the Cool Smashers to their limits.
“Syempre [ico-commend] ko pa rin ‘yung team namin kasi hindi namin binigay ng madali. Syempre nilaban,” Rondina said. “Sabi nga ni coach kanina nagpapasalamat siya kasi ang dami niyang nakikitang improvements kahit papaano.”
For Rondina, the match was a step forward in her own journey as she continues to regain her form.
“Personally naman, masaya ako kasi nakakabalik na rin paunti-unti,” she added. “Ayun, tinrabaho ng Creamline and kitang kita naman ‘yun kung paano nila nakukuha ‘yung panalo.”
