Jema Galanza happy to join Alas Pilipinas despite minor injury

MANILA, Philippines — Jema Galanza was grateful for the chance to suit up for Alas Pilipinas in the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup despite the last-minute changes to her position due to a minor foot injury in practice.

Days before the tournament, Galanza rolled her ankle in practice, which led to her returning to a spiker position despite being initially listed as libero in time for their game against Vietnam. Middle blocker Cherry Nunag taking the second libero role.

The reigning PVL Finals MVP saw limited action as a service specialist playing in the last two sets in Alas’ 14-25, 22-25, 21-25 loss to Vietnam on Friday evening at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

HIGHLIGHTS: Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam FIVB Challenger Cup

“Of course, we didn’t expect what happened within our team, so we focused on how to solve the problem,” Galanza told reporters. “As for me, I’ll do my best and my part to help the Philippines with whatever the coach gives me to do.”

Galanza, who wasn’t able to join Alas in the AVC Challenge Cup due to Creamline’s trip to Spain, made special mention of Thi Bich Tuyen Nguyen and her development since the last time they crossed past. The Vietnamese star poured in 30 points to advance to the semifinal against Czechia on Saturday. 

WATCH: Jema Galanza on her return to Alas Pilipinas. #FIVBChallengerCup | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/5LFaYm1mpy

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“I played against her with Ate Alyssa [Valdez] and Ate Ces [Molina]. She didn’t play the whole game back then. This game, she played heavier minutes and performed really well against us. We saw how many points she contributed to their team,” she said. “We saw and felt her impact.”

READ: Alas Pilipinas’ Jema Galanza won’t play libero in Challenger Cup

The do-it-all spiker, who represented the country in the past two Southeast Asian Games, is still honored to return to Alas despite the limited action, seeking to contribute more in the next national team stints. 

“I’m happy to be part of Alas Pilipinas again and to be with the younger players. They’ve improved a lot and this team will get even better,” Galanza said. “I’m proud to be part of this. This is the time to improve and grow as a player and I can learn more from my teammates.”