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FILE–Creamline Cool Smashers’ Bernadeth Pons in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQURIER.net
MANILA, Philippines — As Tots Carlos put on a record-setting showing, Bernadeth Pons also spelled the difference in Creamline’s come-from-behind five-set victory over Cignal to stay on top of the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Pons, who was Alyssa Valdez’s substitute, came to the rescue late in the third set to help the Cool Smashers from getting swept and set the pace en route to the 26-28, 22-25, 25-22, 25-21, 16-14 win over the HD Spikers on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.
The do-it-all spiker, Creamline’s top recruit last year, finished with 13 points to back up Carlos’ 38 points, crediting coach Sherwin Meneses for staying patient with them.
SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024
“We’re so happy we’re able to overcome this game. I just really calmed and composed myself so that when coach calls on me, I’d know what to do,” said Pons.
“Coach simply told us to keep on attacking and just keep on playing–no pressure. That’s what we did exactly, and it was effective.?
Meneses, for his part, urged his wards to stay patient and go back to basics in trying to overcome the gritty HD Spikers, led by Jovelyn Gonzaga and Ces Molina.
And going back to what they have been practicing worked wonders for Creamline, which holds the solo lead with a 6-1 record.
READ: Creamline is probably the most scouted team in the PVL
“I’ve been telling them the same thing. Volleyball is all about doing the same thing repeatedly. So if you able to do it in practice, you’re able to catch up. If you start to panic and do things on your own, you won’t be able to do what you want,” Meneses said.
“I really don’t get mad at them; only at practice sometimes. I think my shouting at them won’t help, so I just explain to them that they need to fight. Do your jobs. That’s what’s important to me.”
Pons believes their comeback wasn’t only because of their offense but also their floor defense, led by outside hitter Jema Galanza, who had 30 digs and 14 excellent receptions on top of 14 points.
READ: PVL: Tots Carlos wills Creamline past Cignal in comeback win
“We just reminded ourselves to keep on working, that’s exactly what Cignal did. They weren’t going to back down,” she said.
“Tots reminded us that we didn’t want to lose this game, so we worked on our defense after they were able to score on us easily in the first two sets.”
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The Cool Smashers, who are currently on a Holy Week break, are bracing for another big game against the Petro Gazz Angels on April 6 in Sta. Rosa Laguna.
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