IF it were up to Jema Galanza, she would've rather not disrupted Creamline’s winning rotation fielded for the entire Reinforced Conference and in the first half of the Invitational Conference.
Even though it would've kept her on the bench.
READ: Pioneers Galanza, Meneses always believed in Creamline's historic potential
After all, the Cool Smashers took on the challenge of playing without their usual Big 3 - Galanza, Alyssa Valdez, and Tots Carlos - in import-laden play, yet still came out on top for what was their ninth PVL title at the time.
Stepping up to the plate
One week later, however, the five-team Invitationals field saw games come thick and fast within a seven-day period.
And upon receiving clearance from the PNVF to rejoin the PVL after completing Alas Pilipinas duties, Galanza suited up for Creamline in its prelims finale win against Farm Fresh.
Less than 24 hours later, she and her her mates figured in a winner-take-all match against hungry and fiery Cignal.
After five hardfought sets, the Cool Smashers came out on top once more. A Philippine volleyball Grand Slam became reality.
And in her two lone games this conference, Galanza fired 13 points in a quick sweep of the Foxies and 11, including the match-winning hit in Set 5, to turn back the HD Spikers.
Safe to say, Galanza made it a point to be of help to Creamline when it seemed it was already running out of gas.
“Actually, ayoko na nga maglaro kasi ang ganda-ganda naman na ng nilalaro nila. Pero siyempre, ang haba na ng nilaro nila this season, dalawang conference na magkasunod, so kailangan din talaga ng tulong," she said.
“Hindi man sa points, kumbaga sa pagiging vocal sa mga teamamtes ko. Sana may naitulong, pero super happy talaga. Nakaka-proud ang lahat kasi hindi madali yung trabahong ginawa nila nu’ng nawala si ate Ly, si Tots, nawala din ako ng mga ilang weeks.
“Mahirap yung mga trabahong ginawa nila, dinala nila kami dito.”
Breath of fresh air
The fatigue induced by two months of almost non-stop play made Galanza’s return a timely one.
Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses acknowledged this fact and reminded Galanza just before the title match that the luxury of extended rest and added ammunition she’ll bring will make her an essential asset to finish their Grand Slam conquest.
“Alam ko kung gaano na sila kapagod sa dalawang magkasunod na conference. Sabi nga ni coach, ako na ‘yung may bala kasi ako ‘yung may mahabang pahinga,” Galanza said.
“Kaya ‘yung chance din na makapaglaro, binigay ko na rin ‘yung larong ‘to para sa kanila.”
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