MANILA, Philippines — Lacking better ball control in their previous semifinal loss, Bernadeth Pons unleashed an all-around game to save Creamline’s “five-peat” bid in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

Licking the wounds of their four-set loss to Petro Gazz that put their backs against the wall, Pons put Creamline back in the thick of things with 17 points, 15 excellent receptions, and 12 digs as they bounced back with a 25-18, 25-19, 25-19 sweep of Akari on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.

“In our last game, coach said we were careless with the balls we should have controlled better. We didn’t handle them properly. We need to be 100 percent on those plays we can control,” said Pons, who hit 16 of her 32 attack attempts. “We’ve focused more on training to improve how we handle those situations, especially to engage the middle more. It makes everything easier when the middle is involved. We followed coach’s advice and the system.”

READ: PVL semis: Creamline rebounds with sweep of Akari

Bernadeth Pons on rising to the challenge in Creamline’s must-win situation. #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/kiaVi5V5Pe

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) April 1, 2025

Pons added that their lackluster game against the Angels at Ynares Center Antipolo was a huge wake-up call for the Cool Smashers that resulted in a vengeful win that tied the record of the Chargers at 1-1 in second place in the round-robin semifinals.

“Actually, the loss from the last game motivated us. We knew we didn’t play our best, and we believe we have more to show. So, that loss pushed us to do better in this game,” she said.

The 2024 Reinforced Conference MVP has been a consistent all-around player for the Cool Smashers since her rise last year, providing a solid offense and steady floor defense. 

“Everyone has their job—when we’re on offense, we attack; when we’re on defense, we guard. I just did my part, and I’m really grateful because everything worked out,” she said as middle blocker Pangs Panaga and opposite spiker Tots Carlos delivered 13 points apiece in Kyle Negrito’s 24-excellent-set outing.

Pons also credited their bounce-back win to coach Sherwin Meneses’ calm demeanor which helped them handle the losing start in the semis.

READ: PVL: Alyssa Valdez, Creamline put semis loss behind facing must-win

“Coach has really set our mindset. He told us that about 90% of our destiny is in our hands, whether we make it to the Finals or let ourselves drop out. So, today’s game is crucial—it will determine if we still have a chance for the Finals. That’s our extra motivation: to win this game because we want to defend our crown,” she said.

Meneses said it’s not hard to remind his wards, who have won seven championships and have yet to lose back-to-back games since the 2023 PVL Invitational semis and winner-take-all final against the Kurashiki Ablaze.

“No need to pressure the team. We just needed to focus on the mistakes from the last game. That’s what we worked on. Whatever happens with the team, what matters is that we recognize our mistakes. We made sure to give time to improve them,” said Meneses. “We’re thankful because our middle players really stepped up. The team really came together, and that’s probably why we got the big win.”

Creamline eyes its seventh straight Finals appearance against sister team Choco Mucho on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.