Before the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference even began, Creamline faced a significant challenge, losing key players Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez to injuries.
Adding to the setback, Jema Galanza was also unavailable as she was serving Alas Pilipinas Women.
Despite these losses, the Cool Smashers found a stellar replacement in Bernadeth Pons, who stepped up to fill the void left by the three PVL stars.
Initially playing a limited role in Creamline’s first two championships – the 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference and the 2024 All-Filipino Conference – Pons delivered a historic performance in the Reinforced tilt.
In the winner-take-all final, she registered 19 points, along with 12 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions, leading the Cool Smashers to a sweep of the then-undefeated Akari.
This victory secured Creamline’s ninth overall PVL title and their second-ever Reinforced title.
Throughout the conference, Pons emerged as the second-best local scorer, accumulating 147 points from 136 attacks, six aces, and five blocks.
She also excelled defensively, ranking second in receptions (45.61 percent) and sixth in digs (3.06 per set).
In addition to these achievements, the 27-year-old wing spiker joined an elite group alongside Jaja Santiago as the second player in PVL history to win a double MVP award.
(C) PVL Images
“Sobrang fulfilling kasi alam ko kung paano ako magtrabaho every day, kung paano ako mag-extra sa sarili ko rin para maging 100 percent ako sa team,” the former beach volleyball standout shared.
“Sobrang saya na finally na every day nakikita ko yung progress na ginagawa ko.”
The FEU alumna attributed her success not only to her hard work but also to the support and encouragement of her teammates during their daily training sessions.
In her breakout season, Pons was primarily supported by import Erica Staunton and Michele Gumabao, but she emphasized that the entire Cool Smashers squad contributed to their success.
“Pag nagtitraining kami, para na rin kaming naglalaro kasi sobrang competitive talaga lahat. Yun din talaga yung isa sa pinakamaganda din sa team kasi macha-challenge ka rin talaga kung anong gagawin mo sa mga sitwasyon na ganito,” the Talisay, Negros Occidental native explained.
“Yun din talaga yung isa sa pinakamaganda sa team kasi macha-challenge ka rin talaga kung anong gagawin mo sa mga sitwasyon na ganito kasi competitive talaga lahat in a very healthy way naman.”
It may take some time for the full weight of her recent success and accolades to sink in, especially with Creamline’s first Invitational Conference match slated for Friday.
However, Pons feels determined not to let complacency set in, particularly as the Cool Smashers seek revenge against Kurashiki in the Invitationals.
“Actually, hindi pa nga kasi bukas may training ulit kasi may laro ng Friday, kaya hindi pwedeng maging complacent pa din kasi may next agad na liga. So parang yung priority ngayon is maka-recover bukas and sa game agad sa Friday. Baka after na lang ng Invitational mag-sink in lahat,” she said.
