Coming off a career-defining season where she led Creamline to the league’s first-ever Grand Slam, Bernadeth Pons now sets her sights on achieving even greater consistency as the Cool Smashers begin their 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference campaign.
Determined to sustain her high level of play, Pons emphasized her commitment to daily improvement to help Creamline extend its dominance.
“Actually, gusto ko lang din talagang maging consistent. Yung goal ko lang talaga everyday sa training pa lang, na kahit 1% lang everyday,” said the 28-year-old outside spiker.
Pons was a revelation for Creamline last season, stepping up when Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez were sidelined by injuries during the Reinforced Conference, while Jema Galanza also missed significant time due to her commitment with Alas Pilipinas.
Her breakout performances earned her both the Conference and Finals MVP honors in the import-laced tournament, playing a crucial role in Creamline’s title run. She then continued to shine in the Invitationals, helping the Cool Smashers complete their historic Grand Slam.
Refusing to settle after a career-best year, Pons shared that she has been pushing herself even harder in training to maintain her momentum.
(C) PVL Images
“Sa training kasi, nacha-challenge din talaga ako kasi sobrang competitive ng lahat. Pahirapan pumuntos, walang nagpapabagsak ng bola,” she said.
“As a player talaga, nacha-challenge din ako sa mga kasama ko, so parang, sobrang laking bagay yun sakin na pagdating ng laro, di talaga ako papayag na basta-basta,” she added.
That extra work paid off on Saturday night, as Pons delivered a stellar performance to help Creamline outlast Cignal in five sets, 25-19, 26-24, 23-25, 23-25, 15-9, keeping the Cool Smashers undefeated in the all-local tournament.
She erupted for 27 points built on 24 attacks, two kill blocks, and one ace while also tallying 14 excellent digs—further proof of her relentless effort in practice. More than just her offensive firepower, Pons provided a steadying presence for Creamline, especially when the HD Spikers clawed back from a two-set deficit.
The 5-foot-8 former beach volleyball star credited the team’s resilience for their hard-fought victory.
“Actually, nung fifth set di na namin inisip na down two sets kami. Parang zero-zero na kasi. Ang ganda lang nung fifth set kasi parang bumalik yung energy ng team, kasi nawala talaga nung third and fourth set,” said Pons.
“Parang ang medyo matamlay. Pero nung fifth set, talagang bumalik yung energy ng bawat isa and sobrang ganda. Ang saya sa loob na naka-recover kami sa third and fourth set.”
