Jema Galanza tallies 17 points in Creamline's Game 1 sweep of Cignal, April 21, 2026. PVL Media BureauMANILA — Jema Galanza was evidently on "Finals mode" for Creamline.
Galanza, showcasing her championship poise, paved the way for the Cool Smashers' Game 1 sweep of Cignal, 25-22, 25-18, 25-16, in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The pride of Adamson University produced 17 points built on 16 attacks and one block, to go with 13 receptions as Creamline claimed a 1-0 edge in the title round.
READ: PVL: Creamline dominates Cignal in Game 1 sweep, inches closer to All-Filipino crown
For Galanza, she was just seizing the chance to shine on PVL's grandest stage -- a culmination of the team's hard work and effort throughout the competition.
"'Yung mga ganitong games, minsan lang mangyari sa life natin. So, 'pag ganitong mga laro, talagang gina-grab namin and binibigay namin 'yung best namin, kasi ito na 'yung kumbaga last game na 'to ng season," said Galanza, also former Finals MVP for Creamline.
"So, iisipin mo rin 'yung mga pinaghirapan niyo nung kabuuan ng season, 'yung pagod, ganiyan. So, kami pagdating sa mga ganitong padulo na, talagang mas bibigay namin 'yung 200% ng bawat isa."
With the playing field leveling up, it's high time for Creamline to be "more eager" to win it amid doubts and challenges, being their backs against the wall multiple times this conference.
READ: PVL: Jia de Guzman lauds Creamline's focus in impressive Game 1 win vs. Cignal
"'Yung season kasi ngayon, para sa 'min, ako sa tagal ko sa Creamline, ito 'yung season na mabigat talaga, kasi nag-level up na 'yung ibang teams. Talagang nag-build sila ng mga players, and parang kami minsan kinukuwestiyon na namin 'yung isa't isa kung aabot ba kami sa dulo," said Galanza.
"So, parang ngayon, mas gigil talaga kami manalo, kasi iba 'yung feeling ngayon 'pag nanalo kami. 'Pag nanalo kami ngayon, pinaghirapan talaga namin 'yung game na 'to."
Game 2 is on Thursday, April 23, and the Cool Smashers have a chance to close out the series via a two-game sweep.
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