Pons, Galanza not giving up

As the 2024-2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Finals reached a crucial turning point, Creamline’s duo of Bernadeth Pons and Jema Galanza stood tall and delivered when their team needed it most.

In Game 2 of the best-of-three series, the two multi-awarded stars spearheaded the Cool Smashers’ dominant performance, keeping their hopes alive for a fifth consecutive title defense.

Pons was a standout with a game-high 22 points, leading her team to a 3-2 victory over Petro Gazz and tying the series at 1-1.

For the 28-year-old wing spiker, the stakes could not be higher.

“We’re going all out this Saturday. This is it, no more second chances. We’re leaving everything on the court because we’ve worked hard for this moment,” said Pons, a two-time Most Valuable Player.

“We’ve pushed ourselves to this point, and now it’s time to give it our all.”

Her sentiments were echoed by head coach Sherwin Meneses, who acknowledged the grueling nature of this season’s tournament.

“This is the longest season we’ve experienced (in PVL) — maybe even longer than the UAAP. No team here has ever gone through something like this,” said Meneses, who holds an impressive 103-win record with the Cool Smashers.

“That’s why this championship feels so heavy and meaningful. If we win, it’s something we’ll truly cherish.”

Meanwhile, Galanza, who contributed 13 points in Game 2 and was the second-highest scorer for Creamline, shared the same mindset heading into the do-or-die clash.

“This has been a long and challenging season, and we don’t want all our efforts to go to waste. Saturday’s game is our last chance, so we’re giving everything we’ve got.”

“This championship has been tough, but it will be an unforgettable experience if we come out on top.”

The Cool Smashers now head into Game 3 with the chance to make history by winning their fifth straight title and 11th overall PVL championship.

The winner-take-all showdown will take place at the Philsports Arena in Pasig, where Creamline will seek to add another crown to its already impressive legacy.