Bernadeth Pons stayed locked in all-match long to lead the Creamline Cool Smashers past the Cignal HD Spikers in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
There is a reason she is called MVPons.
Bernadeth Pons delivered in the clutch as Creamline thwarted Cignal, 25-19, 26-24, 23-25, 23-25, 15-9, to remain unbeaten in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig Saturday, Feb. 1.
With the HD Spikers erasing a two-set deficit and forcing a decider, the Cool Smashers kept their composure and leaned on their battle-tested core.
Pons, who finished with a game-high 27-point outing she complemented with 14 excellent digs, played a crucial role in Creamline’s decisive fifth-set surge.
Tots Carlos contributed 15 markers, while Jema Galanza added 12 points and 12 excellent digs.
Despite Creamline losing steam in the third and fourth sets, Pons shared how the team shifted its mentality heading into the final frame.
"Actually, noong fifth set, parang zero-zero na lang ulit," Pons said during the post-game press conference.
"Ang ganda lang noong fifth set kasi bumalik 'yung energy ng team. Medyo matamlay kami noong third and fourth pero noong fifth set, talagang bumalik 'yung energy ng bawat isa. Kaya sobrang sayang naka-recover kami,” she added.
[WATCH: Creamline survives Cignal threat, stays perfect in 7 games | PVL highlights]
The Cool Smashers showed their championship pedigree by quickly taking control of the decider.
In the end, Pons sealed the deal, scoring two of Creamline’s final three points to put the HD Spikers away.
Creamline standout Bernadeth Pons swings an attack against Vanie Gandler and Roselyn Doria Aquino of Cignal in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference Saturday, Feb. 1. | Photo (c) PVL
While her explosive performance helped the Cool Smashers improve to a 7-0 record, the 2024 Reinforced Conference Most Valuable Player and Finals MVP remains focused on her personal goal: consistency.
"Actually, gusto ko lang talagang maging consistent. ‘Yun lang talaga ang goal ko. Kahit one percent improvement everyday," Pons said.
"Sa training, sobrang competitive ng lahat. Pahirapan pumuntos, walang nagpapabagsak ng bola. Kaya sobrang laking bagay noon sa akin. Pagdating ng laro, hindi talaga ako papayag na basta-basta," she added.
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Creamline looks to extend its winning streak when it takes on Chery Tiggo on Thursday, Feb. 6.