Will Jema Galanza play in the PVL Invitational Conference, especially the final? The Creamline Cool Smashers list the factors.
The Creamline Cool Smashers will be considering multiple factors in deciding whether or not Alas Pilipinas player Jema Galanza will suit up for the PVL Invitational Conference, as she recently received her clearance from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF).
Galanza and the rest of the PVL players in Alas Pilipinas women’s team were announced to have been released by the PNVF from national team duties right after the Alas Invitationals over the weekend.
[ALSO READ: PVL says Alas Pilipinas players can now re-join respective teams]
The outside hitter was actually already allowed to play heading into Creamline’s battle against Cignal on Monday night. But Galanza herself said that she might wait until the next couple of games to come back for the Cool Smashers.
Now that Creamline is headed to another final in just a week’s time, head coach Sherwin Meneses said that they’re looking into what’s best for both Galanza and the team.
"Pag memeeting-an pa namin 'yung about sa Alas players," said Meneses after their four-set win over the Cignal HD Spikers on Monday.
"So hopefully, makalaro si Jema kasi syempre gustong-gusto na rin maglaro ng bata. At alam ko namang makakatulong siya sa'min pero siguro [sa Tuesday], makakapagdecide kami."
[ALSO READ: Creamline asserts mastery of Cignal and the Cool Smashers book Finals slot in PVL Invitationals]
Galanza returning to the fray will be a big boost to the recently-crowned Reinforced Conference champions, as they’ve been battered by the tough schedule of the ongoing Invitational Conference as well.
Right after winning the Reinforced Conference last Wednesday, the Cool Smashers were back on the court for the next tournament by Friday. As fatigue starts to become a factor, Meneses will lean on the championship mindset of each of his players.
"Syempre 'yung mindset ng mga player nandiyan naman eh. Nung nagstart yung Reinforced Conference, alam naman nilang dire-diretso talaga 'yung games so, ready naman. Pero syempre mas gusto namin makapagpahinga talaga before the finals. So, I think magagawa namin," he said.
The Cool Smashers have two more games remaining in the Invitational Conference--including their last round-robin match against the Farm Fresh Foxies on Wednesday, a day before the final.
While the game is non-bearing for Creamline, Meneses said they will still get ready the same way they do for every team. But, if they’re able to save some energy, then that will be good for the team as well.
"Same lang ['yung preparation]. Magre-ready muna ulit kami sa Farm Fresh. So kung makapag-save kami ng energy, palaruin 'yung iba[ng players], gagawin namin,” he said.
Creamline vs Farm Fresh raises the curtains on the Invitational Conference’s penultimate play date at 4 p.m. on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
It will be aired on One Sports+ and the Pilipinas Live app.