Slowly but surely, Bernadeth Pons is finding her way back to her indoor volleyball form after spending nearly the last four years in beach volleyball.
Pons failed to score in Creamline’s first game of the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference, only playing a few possessions in the first set.
However, in the Cool Smashers’ second game, the 5-foot-7 wing spiker had more opportunities, playing portions of the second and third sets and contributing four points.
More importantly, Creamline swiftly defeated Gerflor on Thursday, 25-18, 25-11, 25-12, starting with a 2-0 record in Pool A.
Despite her solid performance, the Far Eastern University product admitted that the transition back to the taraflex is challenging.
“Sobrang grateful lang din ako sa trust ng coaches na ibinigay sa akin kasi sobrang struggle din ako pagbalik ko ng indoor kasi yung transition from beach to indoor tapos yung adjustment sa system ng Creamline,” said Pons, who has been a mainstay in the Philippine women’s beach volleyball national team.
“Winoworkout ko naman siya every day and lagi naman akong ready kapag gagamitin ako ni coach.”
During her final three years in the UAAP, Pons switched between indoor and beach volleyball, winning a silver and a bronze in the former while securing three silvers in the latter.
However, after her collegiate career, she focused exclusively on beach volleyball.
With her journey back to her formidable form still a work in progress, Pons is putting in extra effort to peak, especially with the tournament being just a one-month competition.
Her strong work ethic has earned praise from the Cool Smashers’ heart and soul, Alyssa Valdez.
That work ethic earns praise from the Cool Smashers’ heart and soul Alyssa Valdez.
“Honestly, I think sabi ko naman sa mga previous interviews ko si Pons talaga she brings a different energy sa team,” said Valdez.
“Sobrang professional kasi si Pons, makikita mo talaga na she’s the first person who will come in in practice to prepare for practice, siya yung huling matatapos hanggang sa cool down,” the bemedalled spiker continued.
“She’s a great role model not just sa mga bata but to seniors as well. It’s very nice to add something laging meron change. We welcome good change in our team.”
