Bernadeth Pons made a remarkable transition to professional indoor volleyball in 2023 after a stellar career as one of the Philippines’ top beach volleyball players from 2019 to 2023. Her prowess on the sand courts earned her numerous accolades and recognition, but it was her adaptability and determination that truly set her apart when she decided to make the switch to indoor volleyball. Despite the shift in playing environment and dynamics, Pons quickly adapted and excelled, proving her versatility and skill set as a volleyball player.
Pons signed with the Creamline Cool Smashers ahead of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference. It didn’t take long for her to make a significant impact on her new team. The outside spiker's exceptional performances not only solidified her position as one of Creamline’s best players but also earned her the prestigious 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Finals MVP awards. Her journey from beach volleyball to professional indoor volleyball is a testament to her dedication, adaptability, and love for the game.
MV-PONS! 🏆
— Premier Volleyball League (@pvlph) September 4, 2024
Watch the awarding ceremony on:
📺 : One Sports | One Sports+ | RPTV
📲 : Pilipinas Live
🖥️ : https://t.co/ihdl9Qn3VC ⁰⁰#PVL2024 pic.twitter.com/52wnI2PU1p
What made Pons’ achievement even more remarkable was her ability to lead Creamline to the Reinforced Conference title in the absence of key superstars Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, and Jema Galanza. These three players have a combined total of seven PVL Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, highlighting the significant gap that Pons had to fill. Despite the immense pressure and the daunting task of stepping up in the absence of such accomplished players, Pons rose to the occasion. She not only filled the void but also led her team to victory, showcasing her leadership and clutch performance under pressure.
Pons’ statistics at the end of the quarterfinals, which determined the award winners, were a clear reflection of her dominance on the court. She was the second-highest local scorer with 147 points, including 136 attacks, six aces, and five blocks. Additionally, the 27-year-old showcased her all-around skills by ranking second in receptions with a 45.61 percent efficiency rate and sixth in digging with 3.06 digs per set. These numbers are indicative of her versatility and her ability to contribute significantly in both offense and defense.
In a media interaction, Pons expressed her joy and gratitude, saying, “It’s such a fulfilling feeling, and I’m really happy that we won the championship—not because I got the MVP awards; that’s just a bonus. My goal was to contribute and help the team win the championship. I’m so grateful to the Lord that He didn’t abandon us this conference. It wasn’t easy, with all the do-or-die matches from the quarterfinals to the finals. We almost lost in the semifinals, but we survived, and I’m happy we won the championship.” Her humility and team-first mentality are evident in her words, as she emphasizes that her main goal was the team's success rather than individual accolades.
Pons’ MVP award marks her as the fourth conference MVP for Creamline in the PVL, joining the ranks of three-time winners Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos. This achievement also brought an end to the Cool Smashers’ six-year championship drought in the Reinforced Conference, with their last title win dating back to 2018. Pons’ addition to the team and her outstanding performance played a crucial role in breaking this dry spell, cementing her legacy as a key player in Creamline’s history.
Despite the celebrations, Pons and her teammates are not resting on their laurels. “We have training again tomorrow because we have a game on Friday. We can’t be complacent because there is another league right away, so the priority now is to recover tomorrow and focus on the game on Friday. Maybe after the Invitationals, everything will sink in,” she shared, underscoring the relentless schedule and the need to stay focused. The Cool Smashers will shift their attention to the PVL Invitational Conference, where they are scheduled to face Thailand’s EST Cola on Friday, September 6, at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
The Creamline Cool Smashers’ journey, led by Pons, is a story of resilience, teamwork, and the spirit of competition. As the team gears up for their next challenge, fans and supporters can look forward to more thrilling matches and standout performances.
Bernadeth Pons' rise in the PVL and her MVP honors are just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting chapter in her volleyball career. As she continues to break barriers and set new standards, the volleyball community eagerly anticipates her future accomplishments both on and off the court. Her story is an inspiration to many, showing that with hard work, adaptability, and a team-first attitude, great things are possible.
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