Bernadeth Pons has solidified her role as a leader for the undermanned Creamline squad.
Playing without their three stars – Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, and Jema Galanza – during the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, the Cool Smashers still made it to the championship round.
A huge reason for this? Pons.
In the knockout semifinals against second-seed Cignal, Creamline overcame every challenge thrown their way, whether it was a 0-2 set deficit or a 21-24 hole with their backs against the wall.
They still ended up on top after a three-hour marathon, winning 20-25, 26-28, 25-18, 27-25, 15-13.
Pons delivered reinforcement-like numbers, scoring a career-best 28 points. She also also excelled on the defensive end, contributing game-highs of 24 excellent receptions and 17 excellent digs.
For the 5-foot-8 Pons, she was prouder of her defensive performance than her scoring.
“Siyempre, lagi talaga is mag-contribute para sa team. ‘Pag nasa harap ako kanina, number one blocking team din ‘yung Cignal so maganda blockings nila so hindi agad-agad nakaka-puntos,” Pons admitted.
“Basta pag sa likod ko, iniisip ko lang papasa ako ng maayos, dedepensa ako para sa teammates ko na nasa harap. Ayaw ko lang din talaga magpa-bagsak ng bola basta-basta sa likod. Masyado kong ine-enjoy ‘yung role ko sa likod.”
(C) PVL Images
Her outstanding floor defense is a testament to her successful background in beach volleyball, and it is now showing in the indoor game.
Pons is having a breakout year, ranking as the second-best local player in scoring after the preliminary round with 131 points, while also ranking second in reception (46.48 percent efficiency) and fifth in digging (3.23 per set).
However, her focus is only on one thing: the championship.
Creamline will go for its ninth crown on Monday at 6:00 PM at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Standing in their way is Akari, which has stunned the competition by going 10-0 all the way to the gold medal match.
“Sobrang saya nga kasi unang una, napanalo namin ‘tong game na ‘to. Sobrang hirap talaga bago namin nakuha ‘yung game na ‘to,” the FEU legend said.
“Grabe rin talaga ‘yung nilaro ng Cignal. Sobrang binigay din talaga nila lahat. And thank God na kami ‘yung nakapanalo ngayon.”
