Bernadeth Pons is bracing for a tough challenge as she faces her college coach Shaq delos Santos in Creamline’s knockout semifinal against Cignal in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference.
With the Cool Smashers missing key players Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, and Jema Galanza, Pons has stepped up significantly, emerging as one of the team’s most consistent local performers alongside veteran spiker Michele Gumabao.
Despite delos Santos’ familiarity with her game, Pons is confident that she has plenty of strategies left up her sleeve.
“Syempre excited ako na makalaban din sila. Alam ko na kilala ako ni coach [Shaq] kung paano ako maglaro, pero syempre mas marami na akong baon ngayon,” said Pons, reflecting on her time under delos Santos at Far Eastern University.
Even though they now represent different teams, Pons remains in touch with delos Santos, who continues to be a supportive presence in her career.
(C) PVL Images
“Syempre ano, si Coach Shaq naman hindi naman napuputol ‘yung communication namin, minsan naman naguusap pa rin kami,” she shared.
“Proud siya sa nagiging performance ko ngayon, so syempre isa rin ‘yun sa motivation ko para mas mag-perform pa lalo, lalo na sila ‘yung makakaharap namin.”
Pons’ brilliance was evident on Saturday night when she teamed up with Staunton to lead Creamline to a decisive victory over the reigning two-time champion Petro Gazz.
The Cool Smashers won in straight sets, 25-23, 25-19, 25-18, securing their spot in the semifinals and the Invitational Conference.
Pons contributed 16 points—15 from attacks—and 12 excellent receptions in the one-hour, 33-minute match.
(C) PVL Images
Looking ahead to their semifinal clash against Cignal on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, Pons stressed that the team will maintain their ‘do-or-die’ mentality.
“Actually, ‘yung mindset pa rin is it’s a do-or-die game para hindi namin makalimutan na laglagan ‘yung game. Do-or-do kasi ayaw talaga naming magpatalo, gusto talaga namin na makuha ‘yung game na ‘to,” said Pons.
“Coming into this game talaga, lahat kami gusto namin na makuha ‘tong game na ‘to para ma-extend namin hanggang finals, so we’ll take it one game at a time.”
