Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws skipper Bernadeth Pons is determined to make the most out of her final playing year.
After another superb all-around performance that allowed the Lady Tamaraws to clinch a Final Four berth in the Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament, Pons has earned the SMART Sports/UAAP Player of the Week recognition.
She bested National University Lady Bulldog Jaja Santiago, University of the Philippines Lady Maroon Tots Carlos, De La Salle University Lady Spiker Kim Kianna Dy, and Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagle Kat Tolentino for the weekly nod.
The native of Talisay, Negros Occidental, who averages 15.4 points per game, stands out because of her remarkable defensive skills on top of her scoring prowess. She ranks third in receiving (44.88 percent reception efficiency) and digging (3.84 digs per set), edging out all liberos in the league not named Kath Arado and Dawn Macandili.
In the Lady Tamaraws’ five-set victory over the Adamson University Lady Falcons last Saturday, Pons finished with stellar triple-double numbers of 22 points, 23 digs, and 24 excellent receptions.
“Sobrang laking factor siya para ma-build talaga yung confidence ng team,” she said about the crucial win that secured them a ticket to the semifinals for the fourth year in a row.
Despite the guaranteed playoffs entry, the 21-year-old spiker is not yet satisfied with what her team has achieved.
Sporting an 8-4 record, FEU currently sit in the third spot, behind La Salle (10-2) and Ateneo (9-4). With two games remaining in the elimination round, the Lady Tamaraws are still in the hunt for a twice-to-beat bonus.
“Ang target namin is yung number two, so kailangan ma-straight namin yung natitirang games para makuha namin yung number two spot,” said Pons, ahead of their closing matches against the University of the East Lady Warriors on Wednesday and the NU Lady Bulldogs on Sunday.
“Ito na lang yung last chance ko. Gusto talaga namin na makapasok kami ng Finals, pero syempre gusto namin makakuha ng twice-to-beat advantage kasi malaking bagay nga naman siya para sa team,” she added.
The graduating hitter hopes to end her collegiate career with a bang, but she knows that focusing on their ultimate goal of reaching the championship can be overwhelming. So instead of keeping their eyes on the prize, she wants her teammates to focus on what they need to do on the court.
