Pons leads Cool Smashers past Crossovers

Creamline emerged victorious over Chery Tiggo in a thrilling match at the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, held at the Philsports Arena yesterday.

Despite missing several key players, the Cool Smashers clinched the win by taking the last two sets, finishing with scores of 25-20, 24-26, 25-16, and 25-19.

Bernadette Pons led the charge with a standout performance, scoring 25 points.

Michele Gumabao and Bea de Leon added 17 and 12 points, respectively, contributing to Creamline’s second consecutive victory.

The win places them on par with Chery Tiggo at 2-1 in Pool A play.

Creamline displayed dominance in the pivotal third set, executing an impressive 19-attack game while the Crossovers managed only 11.

The Cool Smashers maintained their momentum in the fourth set, establishing leads of 10-3 and 17-12, eventually sealing the victory in two hours and four minutes.

“Personally, I was disappointed with my performance last time,” said Pons, referring to her nine-point output in their four-set win over the Farm Fresh Foxies on July 20. “I knew I could do better, I could do more.”

And she did. Aside from her team-high scoring with an impressive 44 percent attack efficiency, the former FEU standout delivered 23 excellent receptions and seven digs, transforming a potentially close match into a decisive win.

“We expected the match against the Crossovers to be tough. But we studied them and applied what we’ve been practicing,” added Pons.

Erica Staunton also shone with 21 points, including two crucial back-to-back hits that put Creamline ahead 20-16 in the fourth set.

After Kath Bell scored her 30th point, Pons responded with consecutive power hits.

Following another Bell attack and a Pons error, Risa Sato secured the spotlight with a quick hit and set the Cool Smashers at match point with a two-handed dump off a Chery Tiggo over-receive.

Pons fittingly closed out the match with another powerful hit, as Creamline’s defense thwarted Bell’s final attempt to extend the match.

Creamline continued to play without injured stars Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez, along with Jema Galanza, who was with the Alas Pilipinas squad.

Chery Tiggo also missed Alas members Eya Laure and Jen Nierva, as well as the injured EJ Laure.

Bell finished with 31 points, adding nine excellent receptions and eight digs, while Ara Galang supported her with 12 markers.

However, other locals struggled to step up, with Mary Rhose Dapol scoring five points and Aby Maraño adding four markers.