Pons makes indoor comeback

Bernadeth Pons, in her return to indoor play, is inspired to help Creamline reclaim lost glory in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.

After powering Alas Pilipinas to a historic gold medal finish in beach volleyball in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand last month, Pons shifts her focus to contributing to the Cool Smashers’ redemption campaign.

“This PVL (conference) is really exciting. After we won gold in the SEA Games, I’ve been manifesting to do the same in the PVL,” said Pons, who delivered the country’s first-ever SEAG beach volley championship alongside long-time partner Sisi Rondina, Sunnie Villapando, Diij Rodriguez and Gene Eslapor.

“I see our SEA Games gold as my inspiration.”

Creamline will open its campaign against PLDT on Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Pons skipped the last three conferences after suiting up for Creamline in the 2025 AFC, where Creamline finished as runner-up, to concentrate on her national team duties.

The Cool Smashers failed to win a single title last year following a grand slam in 2024. After losing its AFC title to Petro Gazz, Creamline settled for bronze in the inaugural On Tour and Invitational before its worst finish in franchise history at sixth place in the Reinforced Conference.

“This another goal for me. My goal is to win gold this conference. But of course, it won’t be easy. So, we’ll take it one game at a time. Focus first on our training every day and to whoever we face inside the court,” Pons said.

After spending almost a year training on the sand, the 29-year-old winger admitted that she’s still adjusting physically and mentally to the indoor competition grind.

“It was difficult at first. Returning to the hardcourt is somehow challenging for me. It’s kind of hard on the knees when landing on the solid floor after spending time playing on the sand court, which cushions your weight when landing,” she explained.

“But in terms of play, there are a few adjustments.”