Jema Galanza’s Finals form was in full display for Creamline, putting her team a win closer to title redemption in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Galanza delivered 17 points and an efficient defensive game of 13 excellent receptions out of 18 attempts in Creamline’s 25-22, 25-18, 25-16 sweep of Cignal in Game 1 of the best-of-three Finals on Tuesday before 8,183 fans at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 2024 All-Filipino Finals MVP seized the moment, drawing from her experience in nine All-Filipino and 15 overall Finals appearances.
‘These kinds of games don’t happen all the time, so we make sure to grab the opportunity and give our best. This is basically the last stretch of the season, so you think about all the hard work and sacrifices,’ said Galanza in Filipino. ‘
‘At this point, we give 200 percent and become even more eager to help each other, reminding ourselves to take it one point at a time until we finish it together.’
The former league MVP credited her performance to Creamline’s core, which has been intact since she joined the team in 2019.
‘I think what really helps is having teammates who support and trust in me, plus coaches who trust me too. They’re a big part of my life. In games like this, you just have to enjoy it and embrace it because these moments don’t come often. I’m really thankful to have teammates who boost my energy and morale.’
Galanza said the team’s toughest conference yet served as motivation, having survived do-or-die games in the Play-In and semifinals to reach the Finals.
‘This season has been really tough for us. In my time with Creamline, this is one of the hardest because other teams have really leveled up,’ said Galanza. ‘They’ve built strong lineups, and there were times we even questioned if we’d make it to the end. That’s why we’re more driven to win now. If we win this, it will really feel like we earned it.’
Despite taking Game 1, Galanza won’t rest on her laurels as Creamline goes for a title-clincher against Cignal on Thursday.
‘Cignal is the type of team that doesn’t stick to just one lineup. They make a lot of changes. So we need to stay patient and be ready for whatever adjustments they make in Game 2,’ said Galanza. ‘With only one day to prepare, we just have to recover well tonight, eat properly, rest, then go back to training before Game 2.’