MANILA, Philippines — In a pressure-packed Game 3 of the PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals, Lorie Bernardo proved her worth for the Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday night.

Despite Creamline’s loss to Petro Gazz, Bernardo, who subbed in for Best Middle blocker Bea De Leon in the second set, was a bright spot, contributing eight points and showing what she’s capable of on the biggest stage in front of 10,000 fans at Philsports Arena.

READ: PVL: Creamline eyes bounce back after failed ‘five-peat’ bid

Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses on Lorie Bernardo stepping up. #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/qaxGCUFgfM

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) April 13, 2025

Bernardo’s performance earned the respect of the Creamline faithful as the pink-clad supporters chanted her name after Game 3. Alyssa Valdez and the Cool Smashers even hugged the young middle blocker and also joined in on the chorus.

Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses said Bernardo’s play was proof of the team’s depth and a result of their competitive training sessions.

“That’s just how Creamline is—whoever gets subbed in, you know they’re going to deliver. As for Lorie, only time will tell if it’s really her moment to shine on the court,” said Meneses in Filipino. “But I’m happy for her because she’s always been a standout—definitely a blue-chip player.”

READ: PVL: Petro Gazz dethrones Creamline for first All-Filipino crown

Meneses hopes that this is just the start of the former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroon’s growth in the pros.

“Hopefully, she just keeps improving. She’s still young and will be a big help in our upcoming conferences,” he said.

After showing a glimpse of her ability, Meneses added that their loss and Bernardo’s experience playing in a winner-take-all would only make her stronger for the next conferences.

“Lorie’s a super athletic player. She can play both opposite and middle. Whatever role we give her, she really takes the time to study and learn it. I honestly think she still has so much more to show in the game—whether it’s as an opposite or a middle, she can handle it,” he said.