Creamline’s pursuit of a seventh consecutive Finals appearance took a major blow after a stunning defeat to Petro Gazz in the opening match of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference round-robin semifinals.
Despite the setback, the Cool Smashers knew their fate in the record six-month-long tournament remained in their hands. Even with the tough 23-25, 22-25, 25-21, 16-25 loss to the Angels, they saw it as motivation to bounce back stronger.
On Tuesday’s Eid Al-Fitr holiday, in front of a packed crowd at Philsports Arena, Creamline reaffirmed its championship pedigree with a commanding 25-18, 25-19, 25-19 victory over Akari, keeping its Finals hopes alive.
For Bernadeth Pons, the team’s response started in training, where head coach Sherwin Meneses and his staff made sure the players were mentally prepared.
(C) PVL Images
“Lahat naman kami talagang minindset ni coach. Sabi nga sa amin ni coach na parang 90-percent hawak pa rin namin ‘yung destiny namin, kung makakapasok pa kami sa Finals or hahayaan nalang ba namin na malalaglag kami,” Pons shared.
“So, parang ‘yung game ngayon, ito ‘yung magdi-dictate ng chance namin sa Finals eh, so ‘yun ‘yung extra motivation sa amin ngayon na ipanalo ‘yung game na ito kasi gusto namin ma-defend ‘yung crown.”
Pons spearheaded Creamline’s resurgence, delivering a game-high 17 points while also recording 15 excellent receptions and 12 digs. Her stellar floor defense reflected the Cool Smashers’ renewed urgency after recognizing their defensive lapses in the loss to Petro Gazz.
“Siguro po ‘yung sa last game namin, sabi ni coach naging careless kami dun sa mga bola na mga kontrolado namin pero hindi namin siya hinahatid ng maayos. Dapat kasi ‘yung mga kontrolado naming bola, 100-percent kami doon,” she said.
“Mas nag-extra focus kami sa training namin na dapat pagdating ngayong game, ‘yung mga controlled namin na bola, dapat 100% namin ma-improve ng maayos para maka-engage ‘yung middle namin. Mas madali kasi ‘yung trabaho ng lahat pag kasama talaga ‘yung gitna. So, ‘yun lang din, sinunod namin ‘yung sinabi ni coach and ‘yung sistema.”
With momentum on their side, Creamline aims to solidify its bid for another Finals appearance as it faces Choco Mucho in a crucial semifinal clash on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
As of publishing, Creamline and Akari both hold 1-1 records, while Petro Gazz (1-0) and Choco Mucho (0-1) are battling in an ongoing match.
