In an electrifying showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, Creamline's Bernadeth Pons and Choco Mucho's Sisi Rondina, former beach volleyball partners, faced off in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference. This highly anticipated match was a treat for volleyball enthusiasts and lived up to the hype.
The stage for this epic encounter was the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum, where 14,014 passionate fans gathered to witness the clash between these talented athletes. Pons and Rondina, renowned for their exceptional skills and the synergy they had developed during their beach volleyball days, were determined to leave a lasting impression on this main event of the Sunday triple-header.
Pons, however, emerged victorious, leading her Cool Smashers to a 25-18, 25-16, 24-26, 25-21 triumph over the Flying Titans. It was a moment she had eagerly anticipated, but this victory meant more than just a win; it represented the culmination of years of hard work and a friendly rivalry.
"It's normal for us. We've been opponents before, even back in our college days," shared Pons, who, alongside Rondina, had won back-to-back bronze medals in the Southeast Asian Games during their time with the national team. "It's just exciting that after many years of playing together on the beach, we're facing each other again. It's really enjoyable because we know each other's game so well," she added.
Pons showcased her skills by scoring a game-high 22 points, primarily through 21 powerful attacks. She stepped up for a short-handed Creamline side that was missing key players Kyla Atienza and Ced Domingo. On the other side of the net, Rondina delivered an impressive performance, contributing a team-high 21 points with 19 attacks, an ace, and a block.
For Pons, this victory was about more than just a single match; it was a testament to her dedication and the hard work she put into her rehabilitation. She expressed her joy at returning to her previous form and contributing to the Cool Smashers' success after spending the entire Invitational Conference on the bench.
"I'm extremely happy because my goal was to come back at a hundred percent after the last conference. I knew I could contribute more to the team, so I worked on my rehabilitation every day because of my previous injury," said Pons. "I'm very happy to see the results of my hard work, and with the season still ahead, it's all the more motivating."
