Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Tag: Jema Galanza

  • Jema Galanza thrilled to guide fellow Adamson product Barbie Jamili as she joins Creamline

    Jema Galanza thrilled to guide fellow Adamson product Barbie Jamili as she joins Creamline

    The former Adamson Lady Falcons standout, Barbie Jamili became Creamline’s lone selection at No. 8 overall, creating an intriguing connection between two generations of Adamson outside hitters Jamili and veteran star Jema Galanza.


    For years, Galanza has been one of the faces of Creamline’s dynasty. Now, Jamili arrives with many fans already drawing comparisons between the two, citing their shared Adamson roots, athletic playing styles, and ability to energize supporters on and off the court.

     

    The similarities have not gone unnoticed, but for Jamili, the opportunity to become teammates with Galanza is still difficult to believe.

     

    “Sobrang happy and mixed emotions lang kasi hindi ko inexpect na mapi-pick ako,” Jamili said shortly after being drafted.

     

    The realization became even more surreal when she found herself being welcomed by Creamline veterans, including Galanza, Denden Lazaro, and Ella de Jesus.

     

    “Na-starstruck ako siyempre. Kahit sina ate Denden (Lazaro) na-starstruck sa kanila. Ang sarap sa feeling kasi hindi talaga ako nag-expect,” she said. 

     

    While Jamili is only beginning her professional journey, Galanza is already looking forward to helping the rookie navigate the challenges that come with joining one of the PVL’s deepest and most competitive rosters.

     

    “Super excited talaga ako lalo na yung dumagdag na outside hitter is from Adamson, na-excite ako sa kung anong kaya kong maitulong sa kanya,” Galanza said.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    For Galanza, Jamili’s arrival is particularly meaningful because it brings another Adamson-developed outside hitter into the Creamline system—a position the team has not replenished through the draft in quite some time.

     

    “Kasi sobrang tagal bago nagkaroon ulit ng outside hitter. Hindi ko rin alam kung ano pa yung maibibigay ko sa kanya pero excited lang ako na makasama sila sa training,” she added.

     

    The mentor-mentee dynamic could prove valuable as Jamili adjusts to the professional level. Despite being one of the most promising prospects in the draft, the rookie understands that opportunities will have to be earned on a roster filled with established stars.

     

    Rather than focusing on playing time, Jamili is embracing the chance to learn from veterans like Galanza, who once made the same transition from Adamson standout to Creamline champion.

     

    “Ibibigay ko lang best ko kung ano meron ako and I’m willing to learn sa bagong team ko ngayon and sa ates ko,” Jamili said. 

     

    Jamili enters the PVL with impressive credentials. During the Draft Combine, she showcased elite athleticism by posting the fastest Pro Agility 5-10-5 time at 5.109 seconds, recording the best Hop Test mark at 3.36 m/s, and leading the 10-meter sprint with a time of 1.759 seconds.

     

    Those numbers helped elevate her draft stock and convinced Creamline to invest in her potential.

     

    Now, Jamili’s next chapter begins alongside a player many believe she could someday emulate. Whether the comparisons to Galanza grow stronger remains to be seen, but one thing is certain, the former Adamson star will have one of the best mentors in the league guiding her through the transition.

     

    For Creamline, the addition of Jamili is about more than adding another talented rookie. It is the continuation of a successful pipeline that has already produced one franchise icon—and perhaps, in time, could produce another.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Jema Galanza calls latest Creamline title “most memorable” and “happiest” after grueling run 

    Jema Galanza calls latest Creamline title “most memorable” and “happiest” after grueling run 

    For Jema Galanza, the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference championship was more than just another title—it was a testament to resilience, growth, and the ever-increasing competitiveness of Philippine volleyball.

     

    A long-time cornerstone of the Creamline Cool Smashers dynasty, Galanza has witnessed the franchise’s journey from rising contender to dominant powerhouse. But this latest triumph, she admits, stands apart from the rest—not because winning has become unfamiliar, but because the path to the championship has never been more difficult.

     

    In a league that continues to evolve with deeper rosters and stronger competition across the board, Galanza has found herself navigating new challenges. No longer can Creamline rely solely on experience and chemistry; every match now demands peak performance, adaptability, and mental toughness.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    The veteran outside hitter’s journey in this conference has also been shaped by personal adversity. After dealing with a minor knee injury that limited her minutes during the 2025 season, Galanza returned determined to contribute meaningfully to Creamline’s title push. Her presence proved vital as the Cool Smashers battled through a demanding schedule and a series of high-pressure encounters.

     

    Reflecting on the campaign, Galanza emphasized just how grueling the road to the championship had been.

     

    “This is the toughest conference so far. For me, this is the happiest and most memorable championship we have won because we were able to get redemption against the teams that beat us this conference. Before we even reached the finals, we really had to go through every single team that had defeated us earlier,” Galanza said in a media interaction.

    Her words capture the essence of Creamline’s journey this season. Unlike previous conferences where the team often dominated from start to finish, this campaign tested their resolve at every stage. The Cool Smashers absorbed setbacks in the preliminary round, falling to the Cignal HD Spikers, PLDT High Speed Hitters, and the NXLED Chameleons, finishing with a 6–3 record.

     

    Those early losses forced Creamline into a tougher playoff path, where they had to dig deep and survive multiple elimination scenarios. The team endured two do-or-die matches just to secure a spot in the finals, a journey that ultimately hardened their mentality and strengthened their unity.

    “And you know, it’s something to be proud of. We also proved to ourselves that we really can become champions as long as we stay together,” she added.

     

    For Galanza, the championship was not just about reclaiming the title, but about reaffirming the team’s identity in a more competitive era. It underscored the importance of cohesion and trust—qualities that have long defined Creamline but were tested like never before this season.

     

    As one of the team’s leaders, Galanza’s ability to overcome injury setbacks and contribute in crucial moments highlighted her enduring value to the squad. Her experience and composure provided stability, particularly during the most pressure-filled stretches of the conference.

     

    With the championship secured, Galanza and several of her teammates will have little time to rest as they quickly shift focus to the upcoming 2026 PVL All-Star festivities. The Creamline star is set to suit up for Team Heart, joining a star-studded lineup that includes Bella Belen, Jia De Guzman, Erika Santos, Pangs Panaga, Majoy Baron, and Justine Jazareno.

     

    They will face off against Team Hustle in what promises to be a showcase of the league’s top talent—a fitting celebration of a conference that, as Galanza described, may well be the most competitive in PVL history.

     

    For now, however, the moment belongs to Galanza and the Cool Smashers—a championship hard-earned, deeply felt, and perhaps more meaningful than any that came before.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • “Ito ‘yung happiest”: Jema Galanza cherishes Creamline’s hardest-earned title

    “Ito ‘yung happiest”: Jema Galanza cherishes Creamline’s hardest-earned title

    For a team that has grown accustomed to winning, the Creamline Cool Smashers found themselves navigating unfamiliar territory in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference. 

     

    Their journey to the championship was anything but smooth, shaped by losses, injuries, and repeated encounters with teams that had previously gotten the better of them. In the end, however, those very struggles became the foundation of what Jema Galanza considers their most meaningful title yet.

     

    “Para sa’kin, ito ‘yung happiest and [most] memorable na championship na napanalunan namin kasi ‘yung mga teams na natalo kami, naka-bawi kami ngayong conference,” said Galanza, who delivered 12 points, 19 excellent digs, and 16 excellent receptions in the title-clinching Game 2 win.

     

    The Cool Smashers’ campaign opened on a difficult note after absorbing a loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters, immediately putting their form into question. They responded with a five-game winning streak that restored some stability, but the consistency they were searching for remained elusive. A loss to the Akari Chargers exposed cracks in their system, and a crucial defeat to the Farm Fresh Foxies tightened the standings and put their campaign under pressure.

     

    Despite the challenges, Creamline managed to stay afloat. They secured a key victory over the Cignal HD Spikers to advance, even while missing Galanza and Bernadeth Pons. The win highlighted the team’s depth and ability to adjust, but their momentum was short-lived as they fell again to Cignal in the qualifying round, dropping them to the play-in stage.

     

    That setback ultimately became the turning point of their campaign. Instead of breaking their rhythm, it reshaped their mindset. From that point forward, every match carried added meaning, as the Cool Smashers faced teams that had previously dealt them setbacks earlier in the conference. 

     

    They eliminated Akari in the play-in stage to keep their hopes alive, then defeated PLDT to regain momentum. Another loss to Cignal followed in the semifinals, but Creamline responded with a crucial victory over Farm Fresh in a virtual knockout match to secure a place in the Finals.

     

    “I mean, bago kami nakapasok talaga sa Finals, talagang dinaan namin lahat nung tumalo sa amin. And alam mo, ‘yun pa lang, parang nakaka-proud na. And na-prove din namin sa self namin na kaya talaga namin na mag-champion basta sama-sama kami.”

     

    Awaiting them in the Finals was Cignal, the team that had consistently challenged them throughout the conference. This time, however, the Cool Smashers left no room for doubt. They completed a sweep to capture the championship, finally overcoming the very team that had repeatedly disrupted their run and sealing a redemption story that defined their season.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Beyond the team’s journey, the championship also marked a personal triumph for Galanza. She entered the conference coming off a lengthy recovery from a serious injury and was gradually working her way back into form during the preliminaries. Just as she began to regain her rhythm, a knee injury sidelined her again, forcing her to miss key games late in the elimination round and in the qualifiers.

     

    “Yung injury kasi, well, di naman natin inaasahan yun eh. Parang buong off-season naman nag-prepare ka nang maayos. ‘’Yung nagpa-condition ka, tapos magugulat ka, or hindi mo ini-expect talaga na magkakaroon ng gano’n,” she said.

     

    Despite her absence, Creamline continued to find ways to win, something Galanza credited to the collective effort of the team.

     

    “Pero, ‘yun nga, sabi ko nga, kahit nawala ako, di naman na-feel ng team na may kulang eh, kasi lahat talaga nag-contribute sa team. So, thankful lang ako na meron akong coaches and teammates na umiintindi din.”

     

    Galanza emphasized that the title was not just about overcoming opponents, but also about enduring internal challenges, including injuries and lineup disruptions that tested the team’s chemistry throughout the conference.

     

    “Sabi ko, sobrang pasasalamat talaga sa mga teammates ko, coaches kasi, alam mo, may mga times, may mga games na si coach eh nawala, ako nawala. I mean, alam mo yun, hindi kami nakukompleto sa ibang games. Pero, nagpe-perform sila, binibigay nila yung best nila.”

     

    In the end, Creamline’s latest championship stood out not because it added to their growing collection, but because of how it was won. It was a title forged through adversity, defined by resilience, and completed through redemption—qualities that made it, in Galanza’s words, their happiest and most memorable one yet.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!

  • Jema Galanza embraces bigger fight as Creamline eyes return to glory

    Jema Galanza embraces bigger fight as Creamline eyes return to glory

    For Jema Galanza, this Finals run feels different—not because it’s unfamiliar, but because it’s harder.

     

    Long regarded as one of the pillars of Creamline’s success, Galanza has been part of the franchise’s rise, dominance, and now, its attempt to reclaim what once seemed automatic. But in a Premier Volleyball League that continues to evolve, she has found herself navigating a new kind of challenge—one where nothing comes easy anymore.

     

    The Cool Smashers’ sweep of Cignal in Game 1 of the 2026 All-Filipino Conference Finals may have looked convincing on paper, but for Galanza, it represented something deeper: a reward for a season defined by grind rather than control.

     

    “Yung season kasi ngayon para sa amin, ako sa tagal ko sa Creamline, ito yung season na mabigat talaga kasi nag-level up na yung ibang teams,” said the former league MVP, who tallied 17 points and 13 excellent receptions in the opener.

     

    “So ngayon, mas gigil talaga kaming manalo kasi iba yung feeling pag nananalo kami. Pag nanalo kami ngayon, pinaghirapan talaga namin yung game na ‘to,” she added.

    That perspective didn’t come overnight.

     

    After completing a Grand Slam in 2024, Creamline entered the following year carrying the weight of expectation—only to come up empty-handed in 2025. For Galanza, that stretch forced a shift not just in preparation, but in mindset. Winning was no longer about maintaining a standard—it became about rediscovering it.

     

    Along the way, doubt crept in.

     

    “Talagang nag-build sila ng players and parang kami minsan kinukuwestiyon na rin namin yung isa’t isa kung aabot ba kami sa dulo,” she admitted.

     

    It’s a rare glimpse into the internal battles of a team so often seen as untouchable. For Galanza, it meant learning how to lead not just through performance, but through belief—especially when results weren’t going their way.

     

    And yet, when the Finals arrived, so did a sense of familiarity. This marks Creamline’s 15th Finals appearance and ninth straight in the All-Filipino Conference, and that experience showed in how composed the team looked in Game 1. 

     

    For Galanza, it wasn’t just about delivering points—it was about steadying the group in moments that mattered.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Still, she’s quick to deflect credit.

     

    “Siguro malaking bagay lang na meron akong teammates na sumusuporta sa akin, nagtitiwala sa akin, and of course, yung coaches din ganun din sila sa akin,” she said.

     

    “Malaking bagay sila—malaking part sila ng life ko, kaya sa ganitong mga laro, alam mo ’yon, ini-enjoy mo, tinatanggap mo kasi ito ’yung mga larong minsan lang mangyayari sa life natin. So thankful ako na meron akong teammates na nagbo-boost ng energy at morale ko,” she added.

    That connection, more than any stat line, has anchored her through the ups and downs of the season.

     

    But even with a strong start in the series, Galanza knows better than to get comfortable.

    Cignal has already proven to be a dangerous opponent, and adjustments are inevitable heading into Game 2. For her, the key isn’t dominance—it’s discipline.

     

    “Hahabaan namin yung pasensya namin at ready kami sa mga babaguhin ng Cignal sa Game 2. And siguro, yun, lagi naman naming sinasabi na one day lang ang preparation, so kailangan naming makarecover agad talaga ngayong gabi, makakain nang maayos at makatulog, then balik kami sa training at Game 2 ulit.”

     

    For Galanza, this Finals isn’t just another chapter in a decorated career.

    It’s a reminder that staying on top requires something different every time—and this season, it has demanded more than ever.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!

  • Jema Galanza finds rhythm, sparks Creamline over PLDT in five-set thriller 

    Jema Galanza finds rhythm, sparks Creamline over PLDT in five-set thriller 

    For Creamline, belief didn’t arrive at the end—it was there from the moment things started to unravel.

     

    Down in sets, facing a PLDT squad that had already beaten them before, the Cool Smashers didn’t look like a team chasing the game. They looked like a team waiting for its moment.

     

    And when that moment came, Jema Galanza was ready. Still working her way back into form after an injury layoff, Galanza delivered her most telling performance yet, finishing with 17 points to help lift Creamline to a gripping 22-25, 27-25, 19-25, 28-26, 15-10 victory in the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    Her numbers told part of the story. Her timing told the rest. After reintroducing herself in Creamline’s play-in win over Akari, Galanza took a bigger step forward against PLDT—saving her most crucial contributions for when the match hung in the balance. She scored four points in the deciding fifth set, helping the Cool Smashers wrest control in the closing stretch.

     

    But for Galanza, the comeback wasn’t about individual output.

     

    It was about connection. “Siguro, nag-trust kami nang sobra sa isa’t isa. And kung meron man kaming pagkakamali o hindi namin napuntos, bumawi lang agad,” she said.

     

    “So I think ‘yun ‘yung nangyari, fourth set to fifth set. Kaya nakuha namin ‘yung set.” That trust showed itself most clearly when Creamline fell behind, 1-2, in the match—a point where momentum typically shifts permanently. But inside the Cool Smashers’ huddle, there was no sense of collapse.

     

    Only persistence. “I think wala kasi ginawa talaga—mapa-coaches, pa-bench, ‘yung first six—ginawa lahat talaga ng paraan para mapanalo,” Galanza said.

    “Kaya hindi ko na-feel ngayong game na, ah, wala na. Alam mo ‘yung feeling ko na, kaya pa, mananalo tayo, sa atin ‘to.”

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    That belief carried them through a razor-thin fourth set, where Creamline refused to yield, before finally breaking through in the decider. By then, the energy had shifted—and Galanza was at the center of it.

     

    Her return isn’t just about being back on the court. It’s about rediscovering rhythm in real time.

    “Sobrang, sobrang happy, siyempre. ‘Yun nga, sabi nga ni Pons, nakaka-boost ng morale,” she said. “After ng game na ‘to, ang iisipin lang namin ay maka-recover.”

     

    “Magdo-double time kami dun sa mga nararamdaman namin para all throughout semis to Finals, talagang all out kami.”

     

    For Creamline, the path forward remains demanding. The semifinals offer no breathing room, no guarantees—only the next challenge waiting.

     

    And if this match proved anything, it’s that the Cool Smashers aren’t just relying on their championship past. They’re building momentum again—one comeback, one connection, one moment at a time.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!
    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!

  • Jema Galanza returns as Creamline gets timely boost for semis

    Jema Galanza returns as Creamline gets timely boost for semis

    Jema Galanza made her return from injury as Creamline sealed a semifinal berth, giving the Cool Smashers a timely veteran boost for the PVL All-Filipino Conference home stretch.

     

    Jema Galanza did not need a huge scoring night to make her return feel meaningful.

     

    For Creamline, simply having one of its most experienced and trusted players back on the floor may have been just as important as the win itself. As the Cool Smashers secured the last semifinal berth in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Galanza’s return quietly gave the team something it had been missing at just the right time — familiarity, calm, and another steady presence for the battles ahead.

     

    Creamline booked its place in the Final Four after beating Akari, 25-23, 25-20, 16-25, 25-16, in a knockout Play-In match on Tuesday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan City.

     

    The result pushed the Cool Smashers back into the semifinals after missing out during last year’s Reinforced Conference, but beyond the scoreline, one of the bigger developments of the night was seeing Galanza back in uniform after sitting out three games with a minor knee injury.

     

    She returned in a service specialist role, a limited assignment by her usual standards, but one that still carried weight for a team trying to get whole at the most crucial point of the conference.

     

    Rather than forcing her way back into a heavy role immediately, Galanza embraced the slower path back, understanding that her return is less about one game and more about building toward what Creamline hopes will be a deeper run.

     

    “Little by little, I’m getting there. The conditioning is already there, but I think I still need to train more consistently with the team so I can better adjust and find my role,” said Galanza in Filipino.

    That patience has become part of her journey.

     

    For Galanza, this is not the first time she has had to navigate a stop-and-start stretch physically. She also missed last year’s Reinforced Conference because of a foot injury, only to work her way back into rhythm in the preliminaries before another minor setback interrupted her again.

    But if there is one thing years in the league have taught her, it is how to endure the frustration that comes with those pauses.

     

    “I’ve been playing for a long time now, so I understand that there are things you don’t expect to happen. As athletes, it’s normal to experience pain or injuries. But we’re grateful because our coaches and physical therapists are there to help us recover,” said Galanza.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    That perspective matters even more now for a Creamline side entering the conference’s most demanding stretch.

     

    The Cool Smashers are no strangers to playing with pressure, but getting players back at the right time often matters just as much as talent or chemistry. And even if Galanza is not yet fully back to top form, her presence alone gives Creamline more flexibility, more poise, and another tested option as the games get heavier.

     

    Before the injury, Galanza had already shown how valuable she could be in this campaign.

     

    One of her best outings came in Creamline’s five-set win over Nxled, where she produced 19 points and 10 excellent receptions on the way to Player of the Game honors. She followed that with a 16-point effort against Akari before eventually being sidelined in the games that followed.

     

    Across the seven games she managed to play, the former Adamson star averaged 13.7 points per match — not eye-popping numbers by superstar standards, but a solid and meaningful contribution for a veteran who often impacts matches in ways that do not always show up cleanly on the stat sheet.

     

    For Creamline, that is part of what makes Galanza so valuable. She is not just a scorer or a crowd favorite. She is also one of the team’s emotional stabilizers, someone who understands timing, pressure, and how to settle into whatever role the moment requires.

     

    That may be exactly what Creamline needs heading into the semifinals.

     

    And for Galanza herself, the bigger win may simply be being back at all. “At the end of the day, mindset is important. What matters most is being able to come back.”

     

    Now, with Creamline set to face PLDT on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena, Galanza’s focus shifts from simply returning to steadily reclaiming the sharpness that once made her one of the league’s most dangerous and dependable stars.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!

  • PVL All-Star: Erika Santos, Jema Galanza emerge as new favorites in latest All-Star fan voting returns 

    PVL All-Star: Erika Santos, Jema Galanza emerge as new favorites in latest All-Star fan voting returns 

    The 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase is beginning to look less like a popularity contest dominated by familiar stars and more like a snapshot of where fan energy is shifting across the sport.

     

    When the second fan vote returns were released, the biggest takeaway was not just who remained on top—it was how many new challengers forced their way into the conversation.

     

     Across both Team Heart and Team Hustle, several races tightened, a few established names were pushed down the ladder, and a wave of momentum from rising or resurgent players suddenly changed the complexion of the event.

     

    Nowhere was that shift more obvious than in the outside hitter race for Team Heart, where injured Jema Galanza still managed to surge to the top. Despite being sidelined, the Creamline Cool Smashers star climbed past Bella Belen and teammate Alyssa Valdez, claiming 27.15 percent of the votes and proving that fan loyalty can remain strong even without recent on-court visibility.

     

    Belen, one of the most productive players of the conference, still held firm in a starting spot with 16.03 percent, while Valdez dropped to third at 15.48 percent. That trio alone shows how crowded and competitive the wing race has become, with star power, current form, and fanbase strength all colliding in one category.

     

    But if one player truly made a statement in the latest tally, it may have been Erika Santos. The Cignal Super Spikers standout made one of the sharpest climbs in any category, taking command of the Team Heart opposite hitter race with 44.57 percent of the vote. In doing so, she overtook Ara Galang of Farm Fresh Foxies, who slipped to second with 27.11 percent.

     

    That rise feels especially notable given how Cignal’s recent surge has translated into stronger fan support. Santos is not just benefiting from name recall—she is being rewarded for relevance, and the voting reflects that.

     

    A similar trend emerged in the middle blocker race, where Jeanette Panaga of Creamline continued to anchor the top spot with 33.39 percent. But the more eye-catching development was the jump made by MJ Phillips of Nxled Chameleons, who rose all the way from fifth in the first returns to second with 21.56 percent.

     

    That kind of leap suggests fans are not simply voting based on established hierarchy anymore. Strong stretches, breakout performances, and timely visibility are beginning to carry more weight, making the All-Star race feel more fluid than usual.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Elsewhere on Team Heart, some categories have remained more stable. Justine Jazareno of Akari Chargers continues to dominate the libero race with 50.48 percent, while Jia De Guzman remains the runaway leader at setter with a commanding 79.91 percent.

     

    Over on Team Hustle, however, the reshuffling may have been even more dramatic.

     

    The biggest mover there was Alyssa Eroa, who pulled off one of the most impressive jumps in the latest returns. After sitting in fourth place with just 10.55 percent in the first tally, the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles libero vaulted to first with 35.22 percent, overtaking Kathleen Arado of PLDT High Speed Hitters, who now sits second at 23.33 percent.

     

    That swing alone may be one of the clearest examples of how quickly All-Star momentum can change once fan campaigns and recent performances begin to sync.

     

    The outside hitter race on Team Hustle has also tightened into one of the event’s most compelling battles. Bernadeth Pons of Creamline still holds the slimmest of leads with 32.89 percent, but Eya Laure of Choco Mucho Flying Titans is now right behind her with 32.08 percent.

     

    That razor-thin margin makes it one of the few categories where the next update could easily flip the order again, especially with both players carrying strong support and wide visibility.

     

    At opposite spiker, Tots Carlos has created more breathing room than anyone else in her bracket. The Creamline scorer widened her advantage to 54.08 percent, while Kim Kianna Dy of PLDT remained in second with 21.81 percent.

     

    Meanwhile, the Team Hustle middle blocker race remains split between two proven frontcourt names, with Mika Reyes of PLDT at 26.24 percent and Fifi Sharma of Akari at 30.23 percent. At setter, Kim Fajardo continues to hold firm control with 59.42 percent.

     

    What the second returns make clear is that this year’s All-Star voting is no longer being shaped by reputation alone.

     

    The stars are still there, and many of them remain in strong positions. But increasingly, the board is being pushed by players whose recent form, visibility, and momentum have made them impossible for fans to ignore.

     

    And if these latest numbers are any indication, the race for the final starting spots is only getting more unpredictable. 

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!

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

    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. 

     

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    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.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!  

  • Bella Belen looks up to these PVL stars as she builds her pro career

    Bella Belen looks up to these PVL stars as she builds her pro career

    Bella Belen’s transition to the professional stage has come with immediate attention—but for the young standout, development still begins with learning from the players who defined the league before her.

     

    Now carving out her role with the Capital1 Solar Spikers, Belen recently shared how several established stars in the Premier Volleyball League continue to shape her mindset and playing style. Despite her rapid rise, the rookie standout remains focused on absorbing lessons from veterans known for their consistency and versatility.

     

    Speaking to One Sports, Belen pointed to players whose work ethic and all-around impact have become benchmarks for her own growth.

     

    At the top of her list is Jema Galanza, a player she has already observed closely both on and off the court.

     

    “Siguro si ate Jema since nakasama ko na siya and nakita ko kung paano siya magtrabaho as a player and as a teammate. So, siya rin and all-around player siya,” said Belen.

     

    Belen also credited Ara Galang, whose influence dates back to her collegiate days and continues to carry over into the professional ranks.

     

    “Second, si ate Ara. Ever since collegiate level pa lang siya, parang UAAP pa lang siya, idol ko na talaga siya.”

     

    It was only natural for Alyssa Valdez to make Belen’s list—one of the sport’s most recognizable figures whose reliability remains a standard across generations.

     

    “Siyempre si Ate Alyssa since isa siya sa mga legend sa UAAP and ngayon naman napapakita niya parin na every time ipapasok siya sa court talagang maasahan siya ng team,” Belen said.

     

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Another influence is Brooke Van Sickle, whom Belen previously played with in the national team setup.

     

    “Ate Brooke, naging ka-teammate ko rin siya before sa national team,” said Belen. “Kala ko nga makukuha namin siya [sa Capital1]. So ayun, Ate Brooke kasi all-around player din siya.”

     

    Rounding out her list is one of the league’s most respected playmakers, Jia De Guzman—though Belen kept her admiration playful.

     

    “Ate Jia talaga. So, wait. Ate Jia, pag tayo po nagkalaban, please sit out muna kayo, ha?”

     

    Belen’s appreciation for elite competition was put into perspective when the Creamline Cool Smashers showcased their defensive depth in a straight-sets victory over Capital1 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

     

    Despite the loss, Belen emerged as a bright spot—continuing to prove why she is considered one of the league’s most promising young stars.

     

    For Belen, the experience reinforced a simple reality: the path to becoming a complete professional player is built not only through performance, but through studying the standards set by the very athletes she now competes against.

     

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!  

  • Jia De Guzman and Jema Galanza laud Bella Belen’s competitive fire

    Jia De Guzman and Jema Galanza laud Bella Belen’s competitive fire

    Rookie standout Bella Belen is quickly turning her debut campaign into one of the defining storylines of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, blending explosive scoring with refined all-around play to emerge as the centerpiece of the Capital1 Solar Spikers.

     

    Through the opening stretch of the conference, Belen leads the league’s Best Scorers list with a commanding 106 total points. Her output — 96 attacks, seven blocks, and just three faults — highlights not only her scoring volume but also her efficiency. On a nightly basis, the 23-year-old has carried the offensive burden for Capital1, often absorbing the brunt of opposing teams’ top defensive schemes.

     

    Her influence goes beyond raw production. Belen ranks third among the league’s Best Spikers, converting 96 of 266 attempts for a 36.09 percent success rate. The mark underscores her ability to sustain efficiency despite heavy usage — an uncommon trait for a rookie navigating the demands of the professional level.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    Still, Capital1’s heavy reliance on Belen has become a growing talking point.

    That dependence was evident in the Solar Spikers’ straight-sets defeat, 18-25, 24-26, 20-25, to defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday, February 21, at the FilOil Centre. Belen once again delivered a standout performance with 26 points, but offensive support was limited. Ypril Tapi added just four markers as the next-highest scorer, underscoring the pronounced scoring gap.

     

    Despite the loss, Belen’s competitiveness drew praise from Creamline’s veteran leaders Jia De Guzman and Jema Galanza, who commended not only her talent but also her relentless drive.

     

    “Yung number one kay Bella diyan, she is very competitive, like what we expected. As much as we want to put a stop to her scoring, na-expect din namin na she will keep scoring, and she will fight until the end,” De Guzman said in a media interaction.

     

    “Makikita mo talaga sa kanya na yung fighting spirit niya. Siya yung mga pro na hindi susuko. Kaya siya pa yung magbibigay talaga ng motivation sa teammates niya. So, sobrang happy lang for her na ang laki na, mas go-grow siya ngayon sa pro,” Galanza added.

     

    For all of Belen’s individual brilliance, the Solar Spikers sit at 2-3, good for seventh place and the lower half of the standings. As the conference unfolds, establishing greater offensive balance and strengthening team chemistry will be critical if Capital1 hopes to translate its rookie star’s breakout run into sustained success.

     

    The Solar Spikers aim to rebound — and ease the scoring load on Belen — when they face the Farm Fresh Foxies on Thursday, February 26, at the FilOil Centre, a pivotal opportunity to regain momentum and prove that their rising star’s brilliance can fuel collective gains.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.