Rivalry lives on: Jema Galanza, Tots Carlos say Nxled clash felt like old Creamline–Petro Gazz battles

 The uniforms may have changed, but for the Creamline Cool Smashers, the feeling of facing familiar rivals remains exactly the same.

That sentiment echoed loudly after Creamline survived the Nxled Chameleons in a gripping five-set battle in the Premier Volleyball League — a match that many inside the court felt resembled the old Creamline–Petro Gazz Angels wars.

Now wearing Nxled colors, former Angels standouts Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo, MJ Phillips and Jonah Sabete brought the same intensity that once fueled some of the league’s most memorable showdowns.

For Jema Galanza, the matchup stirred a mix of emotions — excitement, nerves, and the thrill of facing opponents who always push Creamline to its limits.

“Ako, ang daming feelings,” Galanza admitted. “Excited na may kaba, na nacha-challenge kasi maganda silang kalaban. Sobrang ganda nilang kalaban — yung kailangan mong mag-isip, hindi ka lang basta papalo, hindi lang basta ipapasok. Alam mo ‘yon, kailangan mong mag-isip.”

Creamline grabbed a 2-1 lead, but Nxled responded with a dominant fourth set to send the match into a winner-take-all fifth frame.

When the pressure mounted, the Cool Smashers leaned on their experience to steady themselves and eventually pull away for the 25-16, 22-25, 25-21, 15-25, 15-10 victory.

“Nacha-challenge din yung composure namin. And ngayon, yun talaga yung nagpanalo sa’min,” Galanza said.

The veteran outside hitter delivered a strong all-around effort with 19 points, along with 10 excellent receptions and six excellent digs, taking home the Player of the Game in the clash. 

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For Tots Carlos, the match also carried extra meaning.

Returning from a knee injury that sidelined her for much of last season, the three-time league MVP welcomed the chance to test Creamline’s composure in a high-pressure scenario — particularly against a group of players who have been part of many heated battles with the Cool Smashers.

“Siguro like what I said kanina, more of excitement kasi nga ako personally, meron akong sariling goal and sariling reason going to the game,” The PVL Player of the Week Carlos shared.

“Ako, natuwa ako na na-experience namin ‘yung ganong scenario na kasi nga sila coach, laging sinasabi na pag sumobra naman kami sa gigil, hindi makakatulong sa amin. Composure lang talaga, and ‘yun nga, trabaho lang.”

The result ultimately reinforced what both Galanza and Carlos already knew.

Even if the old Petro Gazz core now wears Nxled jerseys, the rivalry that once defined their matchups is still very much alive — only this time, it has simply taken on a new name.

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