Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses shared his reason as to why Jema Galanza sat out the Cool Smashers' PVL semifinal victory over the Akari Chargers.
Despite being in her playing attire, Jema Galanza was not fielded during the Creamline Cool Smashers’ dominant sweep of the Akari Chargers, 25-18, 25-19, 25-19, in their 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinal match at the PhilSports Arena on Tuesday, April 1.
Galanza, who had been dealing with a thumb injury, had suited up for the Cool Smashers in their four-set defeat against the Petro Gazz Angels, where she finished with just five points.
Head coach Sherwin Meneses clarified that the former PVL Finals MVP’s absence from the court was purely a tactical decision.
“Si Jema naman, 100 percent. Depende kasi sa magiging role ng bawat isa [kung makakalaro],” Meneses explained during the post-game press conference. “Kahit naman nasa bench ka, malaki pa rin 'yung role mo.”
Even without Galanza, Creamline delivered a dominant performance led by Bernadeth Pons and Pangs Panaga as Meneses opted to stick with his rotation throughout the match.
Despite this, the multi-titled tactician assured that Galanza remains in the mix and could see action in the coming games.
“Hopefully, maipasok siya sa next game pero based sa nilaro ngayon ng first six today, 'yung opportunity, medyo mababang maipasok,” Meneses admitted.
“Hopefully, makita natin sa mga susunod na games. Lahat, kung sino talaga 'yung may opportunity na makatulong talaga sa team,” he added.
[ALSO READ: Jema Galanza hopes to find confidence, form for Creamline as PVL All-Filipino playoffs near]
Galanza has been a crucial part of Creamline’s success in past conferences.
Whether she returns to the floor in their next outing remains to be seen, but as Meneses pointed out, every player—on or off the court—plays a role in the team’s pursuit of another championship.
Next up for the Cool Smashers will be the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, April 3.