There are very few volleyball players who can boast an all-around skillset like FEU Lady Tamaraws’ Bernadeth Pons.
The graduating Lady Tamaraw has been in UAAP MVP consideration since her rookie year in Season 76. In Season 80, Pons has been marvelous through their first two games marking 16 points in their win over Ateneo and 22 against Adamson.
Pons also pitched in 16 digs and 19 excellent receptions against the Lady Falcons. The 5-foot-7 spiker, however, would take all her stats back if it meant that FEU got the win.
FEU’s team captain was one of only three Lady Tamaraws in double-digits in points. She trusts that her teammates will get their groove in the following matches.
“Sabi ko sa kanila (Lady Tams) na hindi naman tayo natalo dahil sobrang lakas ng Adamson. Natalo tayo kasi meron tayong mga miscommunication sa crucial na parte ng laro,” the 21-year-old relayed. “Second game pa lang namin so sabi ko kailangan namin mag-cheer up. Hindi kaming pwede ma-down. May mga susunod pa na games. Babawi pa din kami and sobrang haba pa ng season.
“Kailangan talaga is lahat pumupuntos. Kailangan distributed ‘yung points. Siguro, mas marami lang bolang binigay sa amin ni Chin kanina. Kailangan talaga lahat mas mag-contribute.”
While Pons is constantly overlooked by casual volleyball fans, she does have one avid follower in Adamson Lady Falcons head coach Airess Padda who calls her one of the best players in the UAAP.
“She’s definitely my favorite players in the UAAP,” said the American tactician.
“Our game plan for her was we knew we couldn’t stop her so we just tried to limit her as much as we can.”
The open hitter received Padda’s compliments like she does with serves: with grace and undeniable joy.
“Coach ‘yan eh. Di ko ine-expect na may coach na hahanga sa akin kasi meron din siyang mga players. Isa ako sa mga idol niya kaya nakaka-overwhelm talaga,” the Negrense shared.
“So every time na kalabanin namin ang Adamson, kailangan ipakita ko na tama siya na idol niya ako.”
