Thrust into yet another heart-pounding five-set thriller against Petro Gazz, the Creamline Cool Smashers called upon every ounce of championship resolve they had. Bernadeth Pons, with fire in her eyes and redemption on her mind, led the charge to keep their historic five-peat dream alive.
It was a match that could have gone either way. But in the face of adversity, the 10-time PVL champions reminded everyone why they’ve long been the gold standard in Philippine volleyball.
After a painful collapse in Game 1 — where they clawed back from two sets down only to fall short in the decider — the Cool Smashers returned with vengeance and focus. This time, they finished what they started, escaping the Petro Gazz Angels in another gripping five-set war, 25-15, 16-25, 25-21, 15-25, 15-9, to level the 2024–25 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals series at one game apiece.
“Siguro lesson din talaga sa amin ‘yung fifth set nung nakaraan. Kasi pinush namin eh na hanggang fifth set pero hindi namin nakuha,” said Pons, who embodied Creamline’s unwavering spirit all night.
Petro Gazz had come into the match oozing confidence. Their Game 1 triumph — a 25-17, 25-20, 18-25, 20-25, 15-10 result — saw MJ Phillips and company stun Creamline early, then overpower them late to move just one win away from a maiden All-Filipino crown. The Cool Smashers looked out of sync then, uncharacteristically rattled by the Angels’ aggression.
But Game 2 was a different story.
From the opening whistle, Creamline played with urgency. They dictated the tempo early, then absorbed every Petro Gazz punch with calm and composure. The match turned into a see-saw battle, with each team trading momentum in alternate sets. And when the fifth set arrived — the very stage where their hearts had been broken two nights ago — the Cool Smashers didn’t blink.
“Sobrang laking bagay din ‘yun na sa fifth set ngayon na parang ayaw na naming maulit ‘yon. So ang mindset lang talaga is one point [at a time], one point,” said Pons, who was named MVP of the 2024 Reinforced Conference.
Pons, ever the steady presence, bounced back from an early error in the final frame with poise and fire. She unleashed five clutch points when it mattered most, anchoring Creamline’s decisive surge to the finish line.
“Kapag nagkakamali kami, let go agad at focus kami sa next na gagawin namin. So sobrang nakatulong din sa team.”
The former FEU Lady Tamaraw finished with an eye-popping stat line: 22 points, 12 excellent receptions, and nine digs — an all-around performance that perfectly mirrored Creamline’s mantra of resilience and balance.
“Unang-una, sabi nga sa amin ni coach after nung Game 1, hindi pa tapos. So ‘wag kami masyado mag-isip kasi may Game 2 pa, so hawak pa rin namin, nasa kamay pa rin namin,” Pons shared, revealing the motivational message from head coach Sherwin Meneses.
She added, “Kanina rin bago kami pumunta dito, ang reminder talaga sa isa’t isa na hindi namin isusuko ‘tong game na ‘to hangga’t ‘di natatapos, ‘di kami titigil.”
It was that mental fortitude — sharpened by years of championship wars — that ultimately made the difference.
Jeanette Panaga also played a key role in Creamline’s survival, stepping up in the middle with timely blocks and quick hits. Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos provided the steady offense, but it was Pons’ leadership and late-set heroics that sealed the deal.
With the series now heading to a winner-take-all Game 3, the stage is set for another epic encounter.
“All out talaga kami sa Saturday. Kasi last na eh, wala ng bukas. So ‘yun na ‘yun, todo na talaga. All out. All heart. Ilalaban talaga namin kasi pinush na namin ‘to eh.”
