IKI-NAGULAT ng Creamline kay Bernadette Pons! GANITO Pala ang TUNAY na UGALI NYA? TUNAY na MVP!

.

.

.

Full video:

Bernadeth Pons shines as Creamline overcomes adversity

Before the start of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference, the Creamline Cool Smashers were dealt a heavy blow, with star players Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez sidelined due to injuries. As if that weren’t enough, Jema Galanza was also unavailable, as she was called up to serve with Alas Pilipinas Women, leaving the Cool Smashers with significant gaps to fill.

Amidst these setbacks, Creamline found an unlikely hero in Bernadeth Pons. Pons, who had previously played a limited role in Creamline’s championships at the 2023 Second All-Filipino and the 2024 All-Filipino Conferences, rose to the occasion in the Reinforced tilt, stepping into the void left by the three stars with a performance that would go down in PVL history.

In the final match, a do-or-die affair against the then-undefeated Akari Chargers, Pons delivered an unforgettable performance. She tallied 19 points, 12 excellent digs, and 13 excellent receptions, spearheading the Cool Smashers to a stunning sweep and securing their ninth PVL title overall and second-ever Reinforced crown.

But it wasn’t just in the finals that Pons excelled. Throughout the conference, she emerged as one of Creamline’s most reliable players, finishing as the second-best local scorer with 147 points, including 136 attacks, six aces, and five blocks. Her versatility shone as she proved to be just as lethal on defense, ranking second in receptions with a 45.61% efficiency rate and sixth in digs, averaging 3.06 per set.

Her remarkable all-around performance culminated in her being awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, an honor that etched her name in the PVL’s record books. Pons joined the ranks of volleyball royalty, becoming only the second player in PVL history, alongside Jaja Santiago, to claim the prestigious double MVP award.

“Sobrang fulfilling kasi alam ko kung paano ako magtrabaho every day, kung paano ako mag-extra sa sarili ko rin para maging 100 percent ako sa team,” Pons shared, reflecting on her journey. “Sobrang saya na finally na every day nakikita ko yung progress na ginagawa ko.”

A graduate of Far Eastern University (FEU) and a former beach volleyball standout, Pons credited her success not only to her personal drive but also to the unwavering support of her teammates. Throughout the season, she was flanked by reliable stalwarts, including import Erica Staunton and veteran Michele Gumabao, both of whom played critical roles in the Cool Smashers’ campaign.

However, Pons emphasized that it wasn’t just the star power of a few individuals that carried the team to victory—it was the entire squad’s shared determination. “Pag nagtitraining kami, para na rin kaming naglalaro kasi sobrang competitive talaga lahat,” she explained. “Yun din talaga yung isa sa pinakamaganda sa team kasi macha-challenge ka rin talaga kung anong gagawin mo sa mga sitwasyon na ganito.”

Creamline’s competitive spirit and strong internal culture were on full display, not only during games but also in their intense training sessions. Pons described how the team’s daily grind helped push her to her limits. “Yun din talaga yung isa sa pinakamaganda sa team kasi macha-challenge ka rin talaga kung anong gagawin mo sa mga sitwasyon na ganito kasi competitive talaga lahat in a very healthy way naman,” she added, noting the positive atmosphere that fostered her growth.

Despite all her recent success, Pons remains focused on the challenges ahead. With the Invitational Conference just around the corner, she knows the battle isn’t over yet. Creamline’s first match is set against Est Cola.

“Actually, hindi pa nga kasi bukas may training ulit kasi may laro ng Friday,” Pons said with a laugh, emphasizing her determination to keep her focus sharp. “Kaya hindi pwedeng maging complacent pa din kasi may next agad na liga. So parang yung priority ngayon is maka-recover bukas and sa game agad sa Friday. Baka after na lang ng Invitational mag-sink in lahat.”

As the Cool Smashers prepare for their next challenge, Bernadeth Pons’ breakout season is a testament to her resilience, hard work, and the strength of the team behind her. Creamline may have faced adversity before the 2024 Reinforced Conference, but with Pons leading the charge, they showed the heart of champions, once again cementing their legacy in PVL history.