Despite a limited role for Alas Pilipinas in their defeat against Vietnam, Jema Galanza is happy to be back playing for the national team.
Jema Galanza officially made her return to the national team after suiting up for Alas Pilipinas in the 2024 FIVB Women’s Challenger Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila on Friday, July 5.
Galanza was part of Alas’ initial pool for the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup along with Tots Carlos. They were not able to get on board for the AVC Challenge Cup due to a long-planned celebratory trip to Spain for the newly crowned PVL champions.
But as the national team prepared for the FIVB Challenger Cup, the do-it-all spiker was onboard and joined Alas’ practices right away.
The reigning PVL Finals MVP, however, was limited during Alas’ straight-sets defeat to Vietnam, 14-25, 22-25, 21-25, due to her ankle injury.
Galanza played the service specialist role in her limited playing time. Still, she was more than happy to be back with the national team.
“Siyempre proud ako naging part nito. Happy lang ako lagi kasi ito ‘yung time para mag-improve din, para mag-grow as a player, para meron pa akong matutunan sa mga kasama ko,” Galanza told reporters after the match.
[ALSO READ: Jia de Guzman proud of Alas Pilipinas’ stand despite early exit in 2024 FIVB Women’s Challenger Cup]
Just days before their match, Galanza rolled her ankle in practice, forcing coach Jorge De Brito to place her as a libero.
But a day later, the team ultimately decided to return her to her spiker position, while middle blocker Cherry Nunag took on the second libero role.
“Dahil hindi natin ineexpect ‘yung mga nangyayari sa loob ng team namin, so dun tayo focus sa kung paano maso-solve ‘yung problema. Ako naman, kung ano lang ibibigay sakin ni coach [Jorge], gagawin ko naman ‘yung best ko, ‘yung part ko para makatulong sa Pilipinas,” she added.
[ALSO READ: Jema Galanza back to spiker position, Cherry Nunag to play libero role for for Alas Pilipinas]
While this may be her first time back with Alas, Galanza is very eager to contribute more to the national team in the upcoming tournaments such as the SEA V.League.
“Hindi man nakuha ‘yung panalo pero masaya na part na ulit ako ng Alas Pilipinas and nakasama ko ‘yung mga bata, sobrang laki nung improvement and sobrang laki pa ng igagaling ng team na ito,” said Galanza.