Khat Bell heaped praises on Bernadeth Pons, who she played with for a short while during their stint with Petron in the defunct Philippine Superliga.
The two emerged as the leading scorers for their current respective teams as Pons’ Creamline prevailed over Bell’s Chery Tiggo in a four-set battle, 25-20, 24-26, 25-16, 25-19, on Tuesday night.
Pons delivered a Premier Volleyball League career-high of 25 points along with 23 excellent receptions and seven digs, while Bell fired 31 points to go with nine receptions and eight digs in the losing cause.
Seeing the Far Eastern University product flourish with the Cool Smashers, the American import shared her admiration for Pons.
(C) PVL Images
“I’m kinda jealous of Erica Staunton because I didn’t get the chance to play fully with Bernadeth Pons,” said Bell, referring to Creamline’s American reinforcement.
“Me and Pons played together during a time when she had to choose between indoor and sand volleyball, and she is obviously amazing in sand as well, so she went to play outdoors,” she continued, recalling their short time together in Petron.
Back in 2019, Pons focused solely on beach volleyball, playing in different leagues while also representing the Philippines in international tournaments.
It was only in June 2023 when she returned to indoor play, signing with Creamline, and is now finding her footing with a huge opportunity as their top spikers are yet to suit up this Reinforced Conference.
“I’m so jealous that Erica got the chance to play with her. Pons is absolutely amazing, she’s so crafty and she’s like an artist. There are also some things that I picked up from Pons when I got the chance to play with her as well. She’s gonna be Pons, she’s gonna be what that is for sure,” said Bell.
Pons, for her part, was thrilled to face Bell, knowing the competitiveness would be through the roof.
Creamline and Chery Tiggo are now even at 2-1 in Pool A, good for second and third behind leader PLDT.
“Unang-una, na-excite din talaga ako na makalaban siya kasi Khat Bell, alam ko kung paano siya maglaro, eh. Talagang totodo talaga siya,” shared Pons.
