Returning to indoor play from the beach — and rejoining a team she hadn’t played with in months — comes with its own challenges. For Bernadeth Pons, the key has been rebuilding her connection with her teammates.
That process hasn’t been easy, especially since Pons and Jia De Guzman had limited time together during their earlier stint with the team.
At the time, Pons was still coming off the bench while De Guzman was already running the offense for the Cool Smashers. By the time Pons earned a spot in the starting unit, the eight-time PVL Best Setter had already moved on to play in the Japan S.V. League.
Now that both are back, Pons said they are gradually rebuilding their connection after having limited time together in the past.
“Every day naman andun pa rin ‘yung adjustment kasi gaya nga ng sabi ni Jia, ang daming bumalik sa amin,” said the former league MVP.
“Siya rin, kakabalik niya lang din, ako din. Nung last kasi na nag-abot kami, sobrang igsi lang nun eh. Ngayon pa lang ‘yung time ulit na ibi-build namin ‘yung connection na setter to spiker. So ‘yun, everyday pa rin talaga andun ‘yung adjustment. So everyday namin ‘yun tinatrabaho.”
(C) PVL Images
Their efforts were evident as the pair made strides in their chemistry following Creamline’s opening loss to PLDT, leading to a strong bounce-back win over Choco Mucho on Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Pons finished with a triple-double of 19 points, 18 excellent receptions, and 13 digs. Meanwhile, De Guzman dished out 20 excellent sets, including three kill blocks, in nearly two hours of play.
“Ayun nga, sa training pa lang, sinasabihan na kami ni Ate Ly na importante talaga ‘yung communication. So dapat lahat kami nagsasalita, lahat kami manghihingi ng bola para madali rin sa setter. Kapag lahat kami humihingi, maaano rin ‘yung kalaban,” said the Southeast Asian Games gold medalist.
“Araw-araw tinatrabaho pa namin kasi sabi nga ni Jia, sa game namin sa PLDT, pinakita talaga sa amin kung ano pa ‘yung kulang namin individually and as a team. So ayun, tinatrabaho namin everyday, especially ‘yung connection and communication namin.”
De Guzman, for her part, emphasized the team’s talent but stressed the importance of putting it together on the court.
“I think individually, we are very skilled. It’s just how do we put that together na maging cohesive siya na pagdating sa court, alam namin kung ano ‘yung ikikilos ng bawat isa.”
