Jema Galanza and the Creamline Cool Smashers showed their championship composure to down the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
At one point in the third set Tuesday, the Creamline Cool Smashers were trailing by as many as eight points at 12-20 against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.
But despite the big lead, it seemed like the Cool Smashers were unfazed by the mounting pressure—in fact, they thrived in it.
Creamline then unleashed a 10-2 blitz led by Jema Galanza, who had five points in the run, to tie the count at 23-all.
Sisi Rondina would bring Choco Mucho to set point after a thunderous down-the-line hit, but Alyssa Valdez’s smart tip forced an extended set.
Eventually, the Flying Titans would take home the set and force a fourth frame, however, momentum was clearly on the Cool Smashers thanks to their attempted comeback.
The defending champions later used that big rally to fuel their 25-22, 25-20, 30-32, 25-20 victory over the Flying Titans, sealing their third-straight win in the All-Filipino conference.
"Yung tiwala ko diyan sa mga players, talagang nandiyan na eh, so talagang hindi lang natin alam yung situation,” coach Sherwin Meneses said during the post-game press conference.
“‘Yung confidence nila talaga naman lagi nandiyan, kahit lamang or hindi lamang, pero syempre yung situation na naghahabol ka talagang dapat ine-enjoy mo din kasi medyo dikit talaga yung laban nung third set, so yung break hindi napunta samin kaya move-on lang talaga,” he added.
Galanza led Creamline with 24 points built on 22 attacks, one block, and one service ace, to go along with nine excellent digs and 17 excellent receptions.
“Siguro nagpapa-salamat lang ako sa sarili ko na kumapit ‘yung sarili ko ngayong game,” said Galanza. “Sabi ko nga kanina, nagsisimula pa lang ‘yung season, so hindi pa ito yung time para ma-feel ko yung perfect yung game ko o flawless yung game ko.”
Michele Gumabao added 22 points, while Bea de Leon had 10 markers in the win. Alyssa Valdez and Pangs Panaga had eight each.
Creamline will have a long break once more as the champs get ready for their match against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on December 12 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
Sisi Rondina paced the Flying Titans with 24 points as Chery Nunag was the other double-digit scorer with 10 points.
Choco Mucho looks to end its two-game losing skid on December 12 as well, taking on the Farm Fresh Foxies.