Creamline's Bernadeth Pons in action against Cignal HD in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference, February 1, 2025 at the Philsports Arena. PVL Media

MANILA -- Creamline's perfect start in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference continued on Saturday, thanks in large part to the stellar performance of veteran open spiker Bernadeth Pons.

The former Far Eastern University superstar was a rock for the defending champions on both sides of the ball, showcasing efficiency on offense as well as solid floor defense.

After the Cool Smashers squandered a two-set advantage against Cignal HD, Pons came alive to help them regain control en route to a 25-19, 26-24, 23-25, 23-25, 15-9 win at the Philsports Arena.

The 2024 Reinforced Conference Most Valuable Player delivered the biggest blows in the fifth set on her way to finishing with 27 points off 24 kills, two aces, and a block to go with 14 excellent digs.

READ: Creamline weathers Cignal's gallant stand to stay perfect

"Noong fifth set hindi na namin inisip na down two sets kami. Parang zero-zero na kasi. Ang ganda lang nung fifth set kasi parang bumalik yung energy ng team, kasi nawala talaga nung third and fourth set, parang ang medyo matamlay," she said.

For her consistent outings that kept the 10-time PVL champions unscathed, Pons was unanimously voted as the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live for the period of January 28 to February 1. 

The Reinforced Conference MVP had a solid week as she tallied 13 points and 12 digs despite playing in just two sets in their 25-12, 25-21, 25-19 sweep of Nxled last Tuesday.

She bested teammate Kyle Negrito, PLDT's Savi Davison, ZUS' Jov Gonzaga, Akari's Ivy Lacsina, and even overshadowed the 33-point career-high of Trisha Tubu when Farm Fresh beat Galeries Tower.

The former Far Eastern University stalwart attributed her rise to Creamline's stacked roster, which brings out the best in her every training.

"Actually, gusto ko lang din talagang maging consistent, 'yung goal ko lang talaga everyday sa training pa lang, [mag-improve] na kahit one percent lang every day," Pons said.

"Sa training kasi, nacha-challenge rin talaga ako, kasi sobrang competitive ng lahat. Pahirapan pumuntos, walang nagpapabagsak ng bola. As a player talaga, nacha-challenge din ako sa mga kasama ko, so parang, sobrang laking bagay 'yung sa a akin na pagdating sa laro, 'di talaga ako papayag na basta-basta. 

During the 2024 Reinforced Conference, Pons served as the leading scorer of Creamline to lift her team despite the absence of key players Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, and Jema Galanza. 

Her efforts did not go unnoticed as she bagged the highest individual award and steered the Cool Smashers' ship to another championship and eventually completed the historic grand slam in the Invitationals.

Pons and Creamline look to take their eighth win in the tournament when they face Chery Tiggo (5-4) on Thursday, Feb. 6, at the same venue in Pasig City.

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