It’s easy to get used to the brilliance of Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws captain Bernadeth Pons.
The graduating open hitter has made a name for herself with consistent, overall play in her five years in Morayta.
But, even Pons is prone to off-days. Against the Ateneo de Manila University last Wednesday, the 5-foot-7 spiker managed just five points, and the Lady Tamaraws dropped their third loss of the season.
Admitting her shortcomings, Pons made sure to put up a better performance against the University of Santo Tomas. The Negrense tripled her production, scoring 15 points to go with 18 digs and eight excellent receptions.
“‘Yun kasi, parang last game, mas marami pa ang inerror ko kesa pinuntos,” said the 21-year-old, who earned herself the SMART Sports Player of the Day citation. “‘Yun ang worst game ko this season.
“Hindi ko na-afford na maglaro pa ulit ng ganoon, sobrang pangit, sobrang lala ng error. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, last na ‘yun.”
FEU head coach George Pascua knows Pons’s importance, and urges her teammates to provide help when their senior is struggling.
“‘Yun naman talaga, siyempre ang sabi ko nga, nung nakaraan kasi kalaban namin ang Ateneo, nung hindi nag-ano si Pons, given na babantayan siya, sabi ko ang kasama niya kailangan mag-level up din,” said Pascua.
Looking ahead, Pons isn’t resting on her laurels, as FEU face a tough road back to the Final Four.
“Nalaking bagay itong panalo pero mahaba pa, marami pa ring games, hindi pa namin masasabi. Kailangan paghirapan pa rin namin ang mga susunod naming games,” she shared.
“Kailangan maipanalo namin ang remaining games para maganda ang maging spot namin sa end of second round.”
