Jema Galanza erupts 24 points for Creamline in All-Filipino

Jema Galanza starred in an all-around performance as Creamline eked out a 25-22, 25-20, 30-32, 25-20 victory over sibling rival Choco Mucho to remain perfect in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, December 3, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Galanza posted a game-high 24 points built on 22 attacks, one block, and one service ace, to go along with nine excellent digs and 17 excellent receptions to help the Cool Smashers improve to a 3-0 win-loss record.

Following victories in the first two games, Creamline faltered in the third set and fell down by eight points following Gumabao’s attack mistake that gave Choco Mucho a 21–13 lead.

The 28-year-old outside hitter resisted giving up and led a personal 5-0 run that was finished by a strong attack over two blocks that reduced the deficit to just three at 18-21. After an Alyssa Valdez hammer, Creamline would finally square the score at 23-all and secure the match point at 25-24.

Choco Mucho then leaned on Sisi Rondina to break Creamline’s lead as the former University of Santo Tomas delivered three points for a 30-all deadlock before consecutive errors from the Cool Smashers had the two teams going to a fourth set.

Galanza, however, made sure to complete the task at hand by launching a cross court attack directly to Rondina, giving the Cool Smashers a commanding 24-20 advantage before Royse Tubino committed a costly error, eventually sealing the win for Creamline. 

The former Adamson Soaring Lady Falcons volleyball team captain acknowledged that the third set, which ended in a neck-and-neck draw, was evidence that Rondina and the Flying Titans have always been a formidable foe.

“In the third set, Choco Mucho already knew our moves. They already know what we are going to do, so we reduced the errors. Of course, the coach also told us what we needed to do on the court and we just applied," Galanza said. 

Despite making 34 mistakes, Galanza is thankful that the Cool Smashers' poise and character allowed them to defeat the Flying Titans.

"Maybe I'm just thanking myself for holding on in this game. As I said earlier, the season is just starting, so this is not the time for me to feel that my game is perfect or that my game is flawless. There's more to come. For sure, the opponents will adjust," she added. 

Creamline will attempt to register a 4-0 record when they face ZUS Coffee on December 12 at Philsports Arena.