After taking Game 1, Bernadeth Pons reminded Creamline to guard against complacency as it heads into a potential championship-clinching Game 2 in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals on Thursday.
The Cool Smashers moved to the cusp of an 11th title after a dominant 25-22, 25-18, 25-16 victory over the Super Spikers in the series opener on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Siguro hindi namin masyadong iisipin na one win away na lang. Kailangan talaga naming pagtrabahuhan nang husto kasi alam namin na hindi ‘yan basta-basta ibibigay sa amin. Talagang paghihirapan namin,” said Pons after the win.
“Although isang araw lang yung preparation, mindset pa rin yung pinaka-importante—na hindi kami maging complacent sa Game 2,” she added.
Pons was part of a collective two-way effort that helped Creamline subdue a once-surging Cignal side that had built momentum earlier in the conference but was held in check in the opener.
She finished with 11 points, all from attacks, along with 15 excellent digs and five excellent receptions in the one-hour, 31-minute victory.
(C) PVL Images
Pons vowed that the team will continue to work harder as they brace for a stronger push from the Super Spikers in Game 2, where adjustments and execution will be even more crucial if they hope to close out the series.
“Mas tatrabahuhin pa namin every point. Kung mahaba yung patience namin sa game na ito, mas hahabaan pa namin sa susunod, at mas lalo pa naming sisikapin.”
The Invitational Conference MVP added that they are also driven by the desire not to let their sacrifices go to waste, especially after the work they have put in throughout the conference to reach this stage.
The Cool Smashers were sent to the play-in after falling to the same Cignal team in the qualifying round, before absorbing another loss to them in the semifinals that nearly derailed their return to the Finals.
“Ayun, siguro iba talaga ‘pag Finals yung labanan. Kasi ayaw din naming masayang yung sacrifices namin, yung effort namin simula pa lang ng training. January 2 pa lang bumalik na kami para mag-ensayo for this conference,” said Pons.
“Ang daming struggle ng team. Hindi naging madali para sa amin yung conference na ito. So ngayon, nasa Finals na kami, gusto talaga naming i-grab yung opportunity na meron kami. Kaya siguro ganoon din yung naging resulta ng laro namin ngayon. Pero yun nga, hindi pa tapos. Trabaho pa rin, at tatrabahuhin pa namin nang mabuti.”
