MANILA, Philippines — Jema Galanza rued how Creamline fell just short of a comeback in Game 1 of the PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals, but remained optimistic of her team’s chance.

Galanza, who played sparingly in the semifinals due to a minor thumb injury, helped Creamline from a two-set deficit to force a decider that went for naught for the defending champions as Petro Gazz moved closer to the title.

HIGHLIGHTS: PVL All-Filipino Finals Game 1 – Creamline vs Petro Gazz

“Sayang (too bad). We really fought hard in the third and fourth sets but just couldn’t finish it in the fifth,” said Galanza, who had 10 points in the 17-25, 20-25, 25-18, 25-20, 10-15 loss.

“It’s not over yet, though. We’ll rest tonight and get right back to preparing for the next game tomorrow.”

The former PVL MVP said the Cool Smashers can’t afford to start flat in Game 2 like they did in the series opener where they dropped the first two sets to the determined Angels.

PVL: Petro Gazz holds off Creamline to draw first blood in Finals

“I think we just really need to fight from the very start. If we can score six or eight straight points, we have to go for it right away,” she said.

The Cool Smashers clawed their way back to give themselves a shot at stealing Game 1 but ran out of steam in the final frame.

“[We lacked] communication. There were really some lapses in understanding during the game. And maybe also composure. It felt like we still had a chance, but we just fell short in the end,” said Galanza.

The Alas Pilipinas star and Creamline hope to extend the series in Game 2 on Thursday as they try to save their ‘five-peat’ bid.

“I feel okay and I’m happy. At least coach is giving me a chance and trusting me. As for me, I’ll give whatever I can to help the team,” she said.