Jema Galanza drew optimism from seeing a complete Creamline lineup back on the floor in their 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference opener.
After missing a full conference due to injury, Jema Galanza admitted her return to action came with mixed emotions as the Creamline opened its 2026 PVL All-Filipino campaign with a straight-sets loss to PLDT.
Galanza finished with four points in her first game back after recovering from a career-threatening foot injury.
This left the 29-year-old spiker wanting more from her performance.
“Siyempre kulang,” Galanza shared to reporters after the match “Alam ko naman 'yung trinain-ing ko nung buong January, and kinulang din talaga.”
“Siguro, may excitement na may kaba. Nakakapanibago na ngayon lang ulit nakabalik. Nakakalungkot lang na kinulang,” she added.
Finding their rhythm
Galanza, though, emphasized that there was no pressure on her part to come back swinging right away. However, she did acknowledge that her return from a lengthy injury felt unfamiliar.
“Actually, wala namang pressure. ‘Yung pagkasanay lang kung paano ka maglalaro sa loob,” she explained. “Siguro naninibago lang.”
[ALSO READ: Jema Galanza cleared to return, Creamline goes full strength in PVL All-Filipino]
Beyond her individual comeback, Galanza highlighted the significance of seeing the Cool Smashers finally return to full strength, with Jia De Guzman and Bernadeth Pons back in action.
“Nakaka-excite nung start ng training kasi kumpleto na kami,” she shared. “Hindi namin alam kung sino ‘yung first six or ano ‘yung itatakbo ng training.”
Jema Galanza alongside Jia De Guzman and Bernadeth Pons in Creamline's PVL All-Filipino opener. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
While the opening result didn’t go their way, Galanza believes the foundation remains solid, confident that Creamline will settle into a rhythm as the conference progresses.
“Sad lang talaga na kinulang, pero alam naman din namin na ang tagal na naming magkakasama, magkakakilala,” Galanza said. “Alam naman din namin na makakabawi kami sa next games this conference.”
Creamline will look to secure its first win in the All-Filipino tilt when it battles its sister team, Choco Mucho, on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.