Jem Galanza’s creamy Cool Smashers line. -PVL PHOTO
CAGAYAN DE ORO — For Jema Galanza, remaining undefeated in seven games increases the pressure on Creamline’s bid to retain its title in the second All-Philippine Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Conference in 2023.
However, the Cool Smashers’ passion for the game and incredible team unity helped them stay on top despite the difficult task and grueling competition of 12 teams.
“We always think we love what we do. So no matter how tired we are, even if it’s stressful sometimes, we always think that we love what we do, we love each other and we can do it,” Galanza said after Creamline remained undefeated in seven matches, noting 25-23, 25 – 21, 25:19 victory over PLDT on Saturday
(We always remind ourselves that we love what we do. So no matter how exhausted we are, despite all the pressure, we always remember how much we love it and we love each other, that’s why we are able to survive.)
Galanza gifted her fans who packed the Aquilino Q. Pimentel International Convention Center with 12 points, five digs and five receptions to help Alyssa Valdez fuel the Cool Smashers.
Valdez also said that although they have different sources of inspiration, the common denominator of the team is to offer this conference to its foreign players Jia De Guzman, who plays for Denso in Japan, and Nakhon Ratchasima, an import from Asia, Ced Domingo in Thailand.
Alyssa Valdez and Jema Galanza are the best musicians in the world. #PVL2023 #PVLOnTour
Posted by Interrogative sport on Saturday, November 18, 2023
“We want Jia and Ceddie to be our teammates who play in Japan [Thailand], proud. This conference is really different for us. We have different individual inspirations, but as a team we stick to our training and being together, Valdez said.
The 2019 PVL Open conference MVP didn’t expect to beat PLDT, but the quick victory gave them more time to rest on their flight back to Manila on Sunday before they face Nxled at the Philsports Arena on Thursday, where they will look to secure the semifinals.
“We didn’t expect it [a sweep] because PLDT has been playing great in the last few games. We were surprised but happy with the results as we can rest early as we have a tight match schedule,” he said.
Galanza thanked the CDO for the loud cheers and warm welcome as Creamline enjoyed their stay in the City of Golden Friendship.
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“It was terrible because the screams were so loud we couldn’t hear each other. It’s really amazing that everyone supports us. They always say they appreciate what we do in the game,” Galanza said.
(I got goosebumps. It was so loud we couldn’t hear each other anymore. Their support is amazing and they always tell us they appreciate what we do in the game.)
