Creamline's Jema Galanza (23) in action against Choco Mucho in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals on May 9, 2024. Photo by Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News MANILA – After a clean sweep of 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Second All-Filipino Conference, Creamline has faced a lot of adversities this tourney — and Jema Galanza acknowledged that it hasn't been a walk in the park for the defending champions.

The Cool Smashers (8-3) nearly missed the Final Four but eventually moved on to the semifinal round after edging the PLDT High Speed Hitters (also 8-3) by only a point after the preliminaries.

The last time they incurred three losses in the elimination round was in 2018 Open Conference.

Now, the Alyssa Valdez-captained squad is on the brink of capturing their third-straight All-Filipino title after winning over sister team Choco Mucho, 24-26, 25-20, 25-21, 25-16, on Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum in front of over 17,000-strong fans.

Should they capture the crown — their eighth overall — Galanza said it would be very special.

"Sobrang special. Lagi kong sinasabi itong season na 'to andami [naming] pinagdaanan, nag-struggle kami nang sobra," Galanza told reporters after exiting the taraflex on a high.

READ: Creamline on brink of another title with big win over Choco Mucho

READ: PVL: Choco Mucho captures breakthrough win vs Creamline in comeback fashion

Creamline has not been flaunting its "real self," Galanza said, and underscored the need for them to improve as the level of competition rises in the PVL.

"Kung titignan niyo, hindi ito 'yung Creamline na kilala niyo pero ganun talaga, hindi naman kami perfect and 'yun nga tumataas 'yung level ng competition, lumalakas 'yung mga players at 'yung ibang teams," the former MVP said.

"Kami, ang kailangan lang namin is mag-improve kami individually — mentally talaga kasi nandon na 'yung skills namin, chemistry namin, sa sobrang tagal naming naglalaro."

Galanza acknowledged the hard work they needed to put in to defend their title.

"Ako, basta mag-stick kami sa sistema namin and 'yun nga, sabi ni coach [Sherwin Meneses] teamwork talaga. Alam kong kakayanin namin, 'di madali pero paghihirapan namin."

Just like teammate Tots Carlos, Galanza said Creamline always go back to that championship mindset to stay in the fight for the crown.

READ: Tots Carlos, Creamline go back to championship mindset en route to PVL Finals

"'Yung mindset ng pagiging champion [ang sekreto namin] kasi ang hirap maging consistent, ang hirap maging champion every conference pero makikita niyo sa amin, bawat isa gusto naming nananalo, gusto naming makuha ang [conference] na 'to."

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