The former beach volleyball standout was on fire.
With some key players missing, the Creamline Cool Smashers limped their way into the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday for the opening day of the PVL Second All-Filipino Conference.
Still, they found a way to beat the Choco Mucho Flying Titans for the ninth straight time. Missing the services of Jia de Guzman, who’s now playing in the Japan V.League, an injured Kyle Atienza, and Ced Domingo who underwent a dental procedure, the ladies in pink gutted it out to claim the four-set victory, 25-18, 25-16, 24-26, 25-21.
Leading the charge for Creamline was outside hitter Bernadeth Pons. She tallied 22 points, 11 excellent digs, and seven receptions. Pons, who was acquired by the Cool Smashers in the PVL Invitational Conference, expressed her elation over her spectacular performance and return to tip-top shape.
“Sobrang saya ko kasi goal ko talaga na makabalik sa 100% after nung last conference kasi alam ko na mas marami pa akong maitutulong sa team,” the 26-year-old spiker said after the game.
“Tinrabaho ko talaga everyday ‘yung rehab ko dahil nga sa injury ko before. Sobrang saya ko na nakikita ko na ‘yung (resulta) ng paghihirap ko,” she added.
Seeing Pons take the lead in their curtain-raiser, Creamline superstar Alyssa Valdez lauded her teammate’s efforts, especially in training.
“We’ve seen Pons really work hard, not only in practice, but we know she does extra workouts for her to be at 100%. I guess that’s the nice thing about Pons and Creamline, we inspire and motivate each other,” said Valdez who scored four crucial points in limited action.
The Phenom, however, also dropped a tongue-in-cheek remark.
“So lahat ngayon nag-e-extra (work) na dahil kay Pons,” said Valdez with a laugh.
The Cool Smashers’ next assignment is to take down the upset-minded Cignal HD Spikers this Saturday.
(With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada, One Sports Digital)
(PM)