Jema Galanza admits she’s still adjusting to the PVL after a long injury layoff

The roar of the crowd, the grind of extended rallies, the tension that comes with every big point—Jema Galanza finally felt all of it again.

After spending more than four months away from competitive action due to a lingering left foot injury, the Creamline star made her long-awaited return to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) court on Thursday night. It was a comeback filled with emotion, anticipation, and unfamiliar nerves—one that marked a significant personal milestone, even if the result didn’t go as planned.

Creamline’s straight-set loss to PLDT dampened what was expected to be a celebratory evening for the Cool Smashers, particularly for Galanza, who had patiently endured months of rehabilitation just to get back into game shape. The defeat served as a reminder that while returning to action is one hurdle, rediscovering rhythm and confidence after a long layoff is another challenge altogether.

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Despite the setback, Galanza was candid in assessing her performance, acknowledging that she is still very much in the process of adjusting to life back on the court.

“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,” Galanza said in a media interaction.

‘SIYEMPRE KULANG’ 😓

Jema Galanza reflects on her comeback for Creamline, although they fell short against PLDT, 22-25, 17-25, 23-25.

Also returning are Jia de Guzman and Bernadeth Pons, to the delight of Galanza. #PVL2026 | via @kennedyzcaacbay pic.twitter.com/a9F1nKpMPL

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) February 5, 2026

The star outside hitter stressed that pressure was not the issue, but rather the absence of game rhythm that only real competition can restore.

“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. 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,” she added.

Galanza’s return also coincided with a significant development for Creamline—the long-awaited reunion of its core. Setter Jia De Guzman and fellow wing spiker Bernadeth Pons also suited up, allowing the Cool Smashers to field a complete lineup for the first time in quite a while. The sight of the team back at full strength brought renewed energy to training camp and optimism heading into the All-Filipino Conference.

For Galanza, the presence of familiar faces and longtime teammates provided an emotional lift, reinforcing the chemistry that has been built through years of championships and shared battles.

“Actually, when training started, it was exciting that we are finally all complete. Back then, we didn’t know what would happen, who the ‘first six’ would be, or how our training would go,” Galanza concluded.

While the loss to PLDT underscored that Creamline still has work to do, Galanza remains confident that time and repetition will allow the team—and herself—to regain form. With the core intact and the season just getting underway, the Cool Smashers are banking on familiarity, patience, and trust in their system to carry them forward.

The 2019 PVL Most Valuable Player will look to build on her comeback and help Creamline secure its first win of the All-Filipino Conference when the Cool Smashers take on the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Tuesday, February 10, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

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