First open hitter, second libero: Pons does it all

When it comes a complete volleyball players, there’s no one better in the UAAP than Bernadeth Pons.

Although slightly hindered by her five-foot-seven frame, the Negros Occidental native makes up for it with her quick feet and deft touch on defense and reception.

Buffer and more seasoned, Pons has blossomed in Season 79.

In the past two games of the Far Eastern University — both wins against powerhouse teams — Pons put up rare triple-doubles. Against the National University, Pons tallied 18 points, 20 digs, and 15 excellent receptions. During their win against the University of the Philippines, Pons was magnificent, gathering 24 points, 23 digs, and 14 excellent receptions.

Admittedly, Pons enjoys her back-row duties just as much as she does her front-row chores. Head coach Shaq Delos Santos commended the fourth year veteran’s versatility.

“Sobrang happy kasi, sabi ko nga before, siya ‘yung parang second libero namin sa loob ng court kasi kaya nilang dalawa ni Buding [Duremdes] na depesahan nang maayos ‘yung likod,” Delos Santos remarked.

“Ang tingin sa akin nila coach kapag nasa loob ako ng court, ako ‘yung second libero,” Pons quipped.

“Siyempre, pinapahirapan nila ako sa training para makatulong sa depensa sa likod ginagawa ko talaga siya every game. Nag-e-enjoy kasi talaga ako kapag dumedepensa saka rume-receive,” the 20-year-old added.

And Pons really does enjoy playing defense. When asked about her defensive exploits, Pons beamed and giggled while describing her thought process on every dig.“Gusto ko ‘rin talaga na dumedepensa ako at rume-receive kasi kapag nakikita kong maganda ‘yung nabigay kong receive tas maganda ‘yung set tapos napatay agad, sobrang saya ko na,” the FEU senior expressed.

“Lalo pa akong na-i-inspire kasi sobrang nag-eenjoy ako kapag nasa likod. Pag nakakapunto ako, ‘di ba napapa-smile ako? So sobrang saya ko talaga.”

With FEU poised to end the first round within range of a twice-to-beat incentive, Pons and the Lady Tams are focused on beating University of Santo Tomas on Saturday.

“Sobrang importante sa amin kasi nga sabi ni coach before pa noong game namin sa NU, hindi na kaming puwedeng matalo sa tatlong natitira naming kalaban para maganda ‘yung standing namin sa first round. Sabi niya sa amin na kailangan namin mag-ipon ng panalo,” Pons closed.

If Pons keeps up her triple-double exploits, it’s hard to keep her out of the MVP conversation and to keep FEU out of the Final Four.