PLAYING for flag and country is already a familiar feeling for Alas Pilipinas debutant Jema Galanza.
And so will be spiking a set by captain-setter Jia de Guzman.
It’s been over a year since de Guzman and Galanza last shared the court for Creamline in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference, where the Cool Smashers fell short in the knockout title match against Japanese guest team Kurashiki Ablaze.
Since then, de Guzman blazed her own trail in her maiden overseas stint with a Japan V.League Division 1 Cup title to her name, while Galanza and Co. back home took down sister club Choco Mucho in two straight PVL Finals.
Reunited - and it feels so good
Fast forward to today and Galanza couldn’t be more thrilled for her oncoming on-court reunion with de Guzman.
Specifically, the reigning PVL Finals MVP is looking to switch back on the chemistry built on six years of being Creamline teammates, as well as national team members in the 2023 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
“Kaming dalawa, hindi na mahirap sa’min ‘yung adjustment. Alam na namin agad ‘yung mga galawan namin sa loob ng court. Super happy kasi alam ko naman din kung paano siya mag-lead sa Creamline pa lang," said Galanza.
Veterans in a youthful, energetic squad
Now one of the more seasoned spikers in young Alas, Galanza is up for the challenge of integrating herself to a new squad, a new coach, and a new system — all in the name of representing the Philippines on the international stage.
“Super excited kasi ngayon na lang ulit ako makakabalik for the national team and makaka-experience ulit ng international games. Marami naman talagang nagbago and super happy na mga bata ‘yung kasama ko kasi nacha-challenge ako at marami rin akong natututunan sa kanila,” she said.
“Maganda siyang challenge for me na iba ‘yung kasama ko so kailangan ko talagang mag-adjust sa sistema ni coach Jorge [Souza de Brito].”
And with the Filipino fans right behind them, Galanza can’t wait to begin national team duties in the 2024 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Challenger Cup on home soil from July 4 to 7 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“Kahit saan naman tayo maglaro, laging nakasuporta ‘yung mga Filipino fans ng volleyball. I think ganito na talaga kalaki ‘yung volleyball community at tumataas na ‘yung level of competition kaya grabe na rin talaga ‘yung suporta na natatanggap namin,” she said.
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