WITH Jessica Galanza around, the Adamson Lady Falcons should not be counted out of the race for a semifinal slot in the ongoing 78th University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball tournament.
This year’s UAAP volleyball tournament is more competitive than ever before. Ateneo De Manila University (6 wins, 1 loss), with the unstoppable Alyssa Valdez, leads the standings. Trailing closely are De La Salle University (5-2), Far Eastern University (4-3) and surprising University of the Philippines (4-3).
The Lady Falcons (3 wins, 4 losses) are just a game out of the Final Four and it’s mainly because of Galanza’s brilliant all around play.
A consistent game and very accurate spikes made Galanza one of the most productive spikers this season. The unheralded Galanza is actually at par with Ateneo star Alyssa Valdez in production with 103 points.
She caught up with Valdez after the Lady Falcons needed five sets to finish off the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 21-25, 17-25, 25-15, 25-23, 15-10, last Wednesday.
Their second win in four games allowed the Lady Falcons to make up for a four-game slump, and finally focus on their goals, which is to reach the semis.
“Utak at puso ang kailangan sa game. Kapag iniisip mo ang pagod, talagang mapapagod ka,” said Galanza, who is in her junior year with the Lady Falcons.
Adamson turned to Galanza for leadership following the departure of Bang Pineda and Amanda Villanueva. Galanza showed her mettle when the Lady Falcons pulled off a thrilling 25-22, 25-21, 20-25, 28-30, 16-14 win over University of Santo Tomas to start their campaign three weeks ago.
The 19-year-old Galanza, known as a hard-hitting spiker, came up with 28 points, scattered from 25 attacks and three service aces. She also helped at the defensive end with 10 digs.
Valdez lost ground to Galanza after coming up with just 10 points when the Ateneo Lay Eagles prevailed over University of the East, 25-12, 25-10, 25-10, also last Wednesday.
Toni Rose Basas of FEU is the third most prolific spiker in the league with 100 points. Against Adamson, Basas was good for 20 points.
Sophomore May Roque stepped up and helped Galanza in scoring against FEU. Roque, an 18-year-old open hitter, scored a career-high 23 points to help the Lady Falcons.
The Lady Falcons trailed after losing the first two frames. But, Roque, along with Galanza and Mylene Paat rallied the Lady Falcons who took the next sets including the speed-scoring fifth.
Adamson coach Sherwin Meneses said Galanza’s all-around game has given the team confidence.
“Pinag-aralan talaga namin variations ng palo at hindi na lang lagi cross court, kasi ngayon siguro nag-mature na rin ako sa laro ko,” said Galanza.