Slowly but surely, Bernadeth Pons, a renowned figure in Philippine beach volleyball, is making her way back to the indoor court, where she first made her mark.
After spending nearly four years exclusively in beach volleyball, Pons is now transitioning back to her indoor roots and rekindling her formidable form in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference.
In Creamline's first game of the tournament, Pons struggled to score, seeing limited action in the first set. However, in the team's second match, the 5-foot-7 wing spiker seized more opportunities, making appearances in the second and third sets and contributing four crucial points.
Her efforts were instrumental in Creamline's commanding victory over Gerflor, with the team starting their campaign with an impressive 2-0 record in Pool A.
Despite her solid performance, Pons acknowledges that the transition from beach to indoor volleyball poses its challenges. Speaking about her return to the taraflex, she expressed her gratitude for the trust placed in her by the coaches.
"I am extremely grateful for the coaches' confidence in me because transitioning from beach to indoor and adapting to Creamline's system has been quite a struggle," admitted Pons, a former standout from Far Eastern University and a regular member of the Philippine women's beach volleyball national team.
Pons, who excelled in both indoor and beach volleyball during her final three years in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), garnered impressive accolades, including a silver and a bronze in indoor volleyball and three silvers in beach volleyball.
However, after her collegiate career, she shifted her focus exclusively to beach volleyball.
Now, with her return to the indoor court, Pons is determined to regain her formidable form and is leaving no stone unturned, knowing that the tournament spans only one month.
Known for her unwavering work ethic, Pons has earned praise from her teammates, particularly Alyssa Valdez, the heart and soul of the Creamline Cool Smashers. Valdez, an accomplished spiker herself, admires Pons' dedication and the positive energy she brings to the team.
"Honestly, I've mentioned in previous interviews that Pons brings a different energy to the team," Valdez shared.
"Her professionalism is evident; you can see that she's always the first to arrive for practice and the last to leave, staying until the cooldown. She is not just a role model for the younger players but also for the senior members. Having someone like her consistently bringing positive change is something we always welcome in our team."
As Pons continues to navigate her way back to peak performance, her commitment and passion for the game serve as an inspiration to her teammates and fans alike.
With each passing match, she strives to reclaim her position as one of the country's top indoor volleyball talents.
