Tots Carlos Cool Smashers drills an open kill in late title series victory over Flying Titans – Photo courtesy PVL Media Bureau
On his way back to the Crimline Finals, strong hitter Jema Galanza feels he has regained his notch.
A low-sized open-heater at 5-foot-7, Gallanza provided the scoring options needed for Sunday’s Cool Smashers, taking 18 points in their 23-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-15 win over the Sisters. Mucho will return to the finals of the PVL Open Conference before a huge crowd at the Asia Arena at the Mall in Pass City.
“We trained very well and prepared hard for Choco Mucho,” said Gallange in the Filipino. “This win gives me confidence again because I’ve been off for a while.”
Couldn’t have come at the right time better than to get back to his form.
Huge crowd
There were 16,687 fans who praised the action, the largest number in Philippine sports since the epidemic began in March 2020. The Crimline lost to Cherry Tigo last year at a fan-less venue due to health restrictions.
The match was tied in each set and the smaller, more aggressive Flying Titans held a 15-13 lead, with Gallange scoring back-to-back points to touch a rally that shifted the momentum well in their favor.
“I do my best when I like to see my teammates smile and trust me,” added Gallanza, who provided confusion at the Choco Mucho defense, which was trained by team leader Alyssa Valdez and scoring machine Tots Carlos.
Carlos was brilliant with 23 points, Valdez 17, while middle blocker Janet Panaga added 10 for the Cool Smashers, who beat the Flying Titans 2-0 in their best-of-three semifinals.
The Flying Titans (in the dark) show defeat class by congratulating the cool smashers.
The Crimeline Signals are waiting for the winner of the HD-Petro Gaz doubles, which is tied at 1-1.
Relentless offensive play
Playing with maturity typed by its setter Zia Morado-de Guzman, Crimline overcame a stormy opening set where Choco Mucho was seen leading the way with a new energy and swing.
Cool Smashers unloaded a total of 62 attacks against 36 by the Flying Titans, as well as improved the service game with 10 aces compared to four of the enemy.
De Guzman tossed 29 excellent sets as he handled the Crimeline game with maturity and precision.
“We hope Choco Mucho will coordinate and win the set, they are a strong and young team,” said Gallange.
Cat Talentino led Choco Mucho with 14 points, while Des Cheng and Bia de Leon added 13 and nine, respectively. INQ
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