MANILA, Philippines — Creamline’s star gunner Jema Galanza paces herself in her return in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) after being sidelined for four months.
Galanza, who had a career-threatening injury and walked with a boot on her left foot last October, has recovered and played her first game with Creamline along with fellow returnees Jia De Guzman and Bernadeth Pons.
Now that she’s out of the woods, the 5-foot-6 spiker was welcomed by the PLDT High Speed Hitters in a rude fashion after a straight-set win, limiting her to just four points in Creamline’s All-Filipino Conference campaign opener.
For the 2019 PVL Most Valuable Player (MVP), it’s all about patience and looking to get better.
“Of course, it wasn't enough. I know the training I put in throughout January, and it really fell short. I guess there was a mix of excitement and nerves. It feels different being back after so long. It’s just saddening that it wasn't enough,” she told the media.
Galanza works her way to recovery and maybe contribute more to the redemption-seeking Cool Smashers.
“Actually, there wasn't any pressure, and I wasn't really overthinking anything. It was more about getting back into the habit of how to play inside the court,” she shared.
“Since I haven't played in four months. It’s been a long time since I felt that kind of pressure or the rhythm of the game. I guess I’m just still adjusting."
The 29-year-old gunner is reliable on both the offensive and defensive sides of Creamline. Galanza missed the whole 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference, where Creamline snapped its 19-consecutive podium record.
Now with a complete lineup, Galanza showed confidence that her team will find its groove once more inside the court.
“Actually, when training started, it was exciting that we were finally all complete. Back then, we didn't know what would happen, who the 'first six' would be, or how our training would go.”
Creamline will go up against the Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure-led Choco Mucho on Tuesday, Feb. 9, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.