JEMA Galanza showed the way as Team Red beat the Alyssa Valdez-led Team Blue, 25-19, 25-16, 25-20, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Star game on Saturday at the Arena in San Juan City.
Creamline star Galanza had 14 points on 11 kills and three service in the fundraiser for Hero Foundation.
“Halos lahat kami magkakalaban kapag may PVL ngayon magkakasama kami. Hindi lang kami magkalaban lang, pwede rin pala kaming maging close,” Galanza said.
“Tapos nakita nyo naman ang mga taong nanonood kung gaano kami ka-enjoy na naglalaro. And yung feeling na nakakalaban namin ang mga idol namin.”
Galanza was glad to put up a show for the fans as players suited up without the pressure of a regular match.
“Minsan after ng game hindi sila nakaka-picture sa amin so parang kahit naman kami nasa-sad kami na hindi namin sila napapagbigyan,” she said. “Buti na may ganyang meet-and-greet with the fans, nagpapasalamat kami na may ganyan kasi nabibigyan nga namin sila ng chance na makalapit sa amin, makausap namin sila and maka-sign man lang.”
Jonah Sabete of Petro Gazz had 11 points and made 13 digs and seven excellent receptions, while Dimdim Pacres of Tacloban had seven markers.
Team Red captain Myla Pablo only had six points playing in first and third sets, Cherry Nunag and Dell Palomata added five each, while libero Thang Ponce had 13 digs and as many as excellent receptions to power the squad also bannered by star setters Jia Morado and Jem Ferrer.
“Naging revelation sa amin si Dimdim. Maganda ang laro and nagi-enjoy. Masarap kasi na may ganyan ka sa team like Pacres,” Team Red head coach Oliver Almadro said. “Talagang nawawala yung pressure kasi para silang laruan sa loob ng court and doon sa team so ang saya.“
Team Red’s Kat Tolentino, Bea De Leon and Vanie Gandler graced the All-Star festivities but sat out.
Valdez had 10 points including 15 digs and five excellent receptions for Team Blue, which missed Isa Molde of UP, who is nursing a shoulder injury, and Ateneo’s Maddie Madayag who had to work on her thesis. Lady Eagles Deanna Wong and Dani Ravena were in uniform but also sat out.
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