Bernadeth Pons embraces pressure in Creamline’s PVL Game 2 victory: ‘Hindi kami titigil’

Bernadeth Pons showed no signs of backing down under the brightest of lights.

With their backs against the wall, the Creamline Cool Smashers leaned on Pons’ steady presence and clutch performance to outlast the Petro Gazz Angels in a gritty five-set battle, 25-15, 16-25, 25-21, 15-25, 15-9, in Game 2 of the 2024–25 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals on Thursday, April 10 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Pons delivered a game-high 22 points built on 21 attacks and a block, while also providing rock-solid floor defense with nine excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions.

“Sabi nga sa’min ni coach after nung Game 1 na hindi pa tapos, so huwag kaming masyadong mag-isip kasi may Game 2 pa. So, hawak pa rin namin, nasa kamay pa rin namin,” Pons said during the post-game press conference.

“Ang reminder talaga ng bawat isa is hindi namin isusuko ‘yung game na ito. Hanggat hindi natatapos, hindi kami titigil,” she added.

[ALSO READ: Jema Galanza stays positive despite Creamline’s Game 1 loss: ‘Di pa naman huli ang lahat’]

Determined to write a different ending this time, the Cool Smashers kept their composure through the deciding frame, playing point-by-point and refusing to let errors rattle them.

“Ang mindset is one point, one point. Pag nagkamali kami, let go agad, focus kami sa next naming gagawin,” she said.

For Pons, embracing the pressure of a must-win situation is part of the job—and a challenge she welcomes with open arms.

“Sobrang ine-embrace lang namin ‘yung challenge kasi nandito kami sa sitwasyon na ito. So, anong gagawin namin para makuha? Hindi na kami puwede mag-dwell dun sa nangyari sa Game 1 kasi tapos na ‘yun.”

With Game 2 secured, Creamline will rest up and ready themselves for the winner-take-all Game 3 on Saturday, April 12 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

[NEXT: Why is winner-take-all Game 3 at PhilSports Arena? PVL explains Finals venue decision]