Bernadeth Pons is taking in every moment she steps onto the taraflex for the Creamline Cool Smashers in the 2025 AVC Women's Champions League.
Playing in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League is more than just another tournament for Bernadeth Pons.
The former PVL MVP and Finals MVP is soaking in every moment as she represents the Philippines and Creamline for the first time in an international indoor tournament.
Despite the tough loss to Zhetysu VC, where the Cool Smashers bowed in straight sets at the PhilSports Arena on Monday, Pons remained proud and grateful for the rare opportunity to test herself against world-class opponents.
“Ako, siyempre, sobrang grateful ako kasi ito ‘yung first ko na mag-represent ng country sa indoor. And siyempre kasama ko pa ‘yung Creamline team, so sobrang ine-enjoy ko lang talaga ‘yung opportunity and ‘yung moment na maglaro ngayon,” Pons said during the post-game press conference.
Alongside longtime beach volleyball partner Sisi Rondina, Pons is set for another run on the sands at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games later this year.
[ALSO READ: Bernadeth Pons, Sisi Rondina set for beach volleyball return in 2025 SEA Games]
Following the end of this AVC tilt, Pons and Rondina will start their training for beach volleyball, meaning that they will be departing Creamline and Choco Mucho, respectively, for the time being.
Still, the former FEU standout will carry with her the lessons from her indoor stint throughout the past two years.
“Siguro kahit sino talaga ‘yung kaharap mo — malaki man sila, maliit man sila — same lang naman kami ng game: volleyball. Pareparehas kami nagta-training, so dapat ano lang din talaga, tapang lang palagi kahit sino ‘yung kaharap mo,” said Pons.
[ALSO READ: Creamline's Bernadeth Pons joins Jaja Santiago in exclusive PVL club]
For now, Pons and the rest of the Cool Smashers will await the result of Zhetysu’s match against Jordan Al Naser Club on Tuesday to determine whether the team will qualify for the quarterfinals.