Reinforced Conference and Finals MVP Bernadeth Pons simply wanted to step up for the depleted Creamline Cool Smashers.
Since joining the PVL, Creamline’s Bernadeth Pons has been a valuable addition to the Cool Smashers’ deep supporting cast. Whether it was off the bench, or the occasional start, a meaningful contribution was guaranteed from the 27-year-old spiker.
Creamline’s roster was depleted for the Reinforced Conference with Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, and Jema Galanza being sidelined due to injuries or national team commitments.
Given this, their supporting cast needed to be the main option this time around. Alongside expanded minutes, was the task of preserving the Cool Smashers’ golden standard.
Everyone did deliver, but it was Pons who shined the brightest among the locals. As a full-time starter, the Reinforced Conference was her statement run in the PVL.
Pons finished top two in digs and top two in receptions defensively. She was top 12 in scoring, or second best among locals behind Petro Gazz’s Brooke Van Sickle.
She also led Creamline’s Finals charge against Akari after scoring a game-high 19 points, accompanied by 12 excellent digs and 17 excellent receptions. It culminated in a rare Conference and Finals MVP for the two-way ace.
It’s an exclusive club, with only Pons and Jaja Santiago pulling off the feat in a single conference.
But for “MVPons”, it was just a matter of stepping up for depleted Creamline.
“Bonus na lang ‘yan [MVP]. Ang goal talaga is makapag-contribute ako, makatulong ako sa team para makuha namin ‘yung championship. And sobrang grateful lang din talaga kay Lord na hindi niya kami pinabayaan this conference,” said Pons, who joined forces with import Erica Staunton to lead Creamline.
“Hindi madali kasi puro do-or-die since quarterfinals hanggang finals. Muntikan na noong semis [to lose versus Cignal]. Pero na-survive pa din and I’m happy na nakuha namin ‘yung championship.”
This title and MVP award are the latest additions to Pons’ stacked resume. She was the FEU Lady Tamaraws’ former star and also had stints with Petron in the Philippines Superliga. In between, were beach volleyball stints for both teams.
“Every game naman marami talagang lessons na natutunan. And yun, sobrang grateful lang din ako sa mga past experiences ko talaga. Mapa-beach man or indoor, sobrang laking bagay din talaga,’” said Pons.
Before the PVL, Pons was a full-time beach volleyball player who represented the Philippines in international competitions. Alongside her UAAP and PSL days, these helped Pons become the star that she is today.
“Sobrang nakaka-proud din talaga. Lalo na, kasi malaking bagay din talaga yung mga international experience namin kahit beach ‘yun. Sobra yung mga nakakalaban namin doon, hindi naman basta-basta,” said Pons, whose PVL debut marks her indoor comeback.
“Puro mga, may mga nakalaban kami ng mga Olympians, may mga high-caliber player din talaga. So every game, dami talagang natutunan kahit hindi namin naipapanalo lahat. Pero ‘yung lesson and experience kasi, ‘yun talaga ‘yung baon namin pagbalik dito sa indoor.”
Staying ready
At the same time, Creamline was equally prepared to lose their star trio. Pons shared how Creamline’s coaching staff ensured their mental readiness heading into the conference.
“Sabi nila coach [Sherwin Meneses] na ready kayo. Basta kung sino lang yung nandito, yun muna. Wag namin hanapin kung sino ‘yung wala. So yun lang din, everyday sa training kung sino yung nandyan, yun lang din yung nagtatrabaho,” she explained.
“Mayroon times na sa training na parang di maganda yung naging training namin, ganyan. Sabi ni coach na parang ‘Sino pa ba inaantay niyo’, ganyan. So parang isa din yun sa parang wake up call sa amin. Kami na talaga ‘to, kami yung nandito. So kailangan din talaga namin na mag-extra work pa, na mag-trabaho para sa lahat personally.”
And the rest is history. Bernadeth Pons can now call herself an MVP and three-time PVL champion, while Creamline now has nine titles in its seven-year existence.
It’s a culmination of the team’s hard work aided by various lessons throughout the tournament. For instance, Creamline dropped its opener against PLDT, which gave them a reality check and strengthened their resolve to do better.
“Sobrang saya na everyday nakikita ko yung progress ng ginagawa ko and sobrang thankful lang din talaga sa mga teammates ko na lagi nandyan para i-bring out yung best namin. Everyday lahat kami talaga sobrang… ‘Pag magt-training kami para na rin kami maglalaro eh kasi sobrang competitive talaga lahat,” Pons reflects.
“‘Yun din talaga yung isa sa pinakamaganda din sa team kasi parang macha-challenge ka din talaga kung anong gagawin mo sa mga sitwasyon na ganito kasi competitive talaga lahat in a very healthy way naman.”
Banner image courtesy of the Premier Volleyball League.