MVP. Bernadeth Pons led Creamline to a 25-15, 25-23, 25-17 victory over Akari in the finals of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena on Wednesday (Sept. 4, 2024). She delivered 19 points on 14 attacks and five aces and made 12 excellent digs and 13 receptions. (Photo courtesy of PVL)
MANILA – Creamline cemented its legacy in the Premier Volleyball League with a 25-15, 25-23, 25-17 victory over Akari in the Reinforced Conference finals Wednesday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Bernadeth Pons scored 19 points on 14 attacks and five blocks as the Cool Smashers claimed their second Reinforced crown and ninth title overall in 12 finals appearances.
“I'm so happy, thank you, Lord, since this is my first Reinforced championship,” said Pons, who also had 12 excellent digs and 13 receptions in the one-hour match.
Erica Mary Staunton contributed 13 points, skipper Michele Therese Gumabao had 10 points and Isabel Beatriz De Leon chipped in eight points, including three blocks and two aces.
The Cool Smashers pulled off the win despite the absence of Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez, both sidelined by injuries and Jema Galanza who is fulfilling her duties with the national team.
“All of our championships make me proud because each one is special, but this one stands out because we were missing a lot of key players,” remarked coach Sherwin Meneses. “Despite that, our players worked so hard, and we still managed to win the championship.”
“Our bench players are still young, so I’m hopeful that Creamline’s success will continue," he added.
Gumabao took over the leadership role in the absence of the three key players.
“We worked hard for this, training every day to prepare for this moment. As long as we support each other with every point, we’re in this together. That’s what defines us," she said.
Oly Okaro finished with 14 points, 11 on attacks, for the Chargers, who were unbeaten from the elimination through the semifinals.
Grethcel Soltanes scored nine points, Camille Victoria had five while Ivy Keith Lacsina and Kamille Angelica Cal added four points each.
Meanwhile, Pons earned the Most Valuable Player award while MJ Perez of Cignal was named Best Foreign Guest Player.
Leading the PVL Premier Team are Best Outside Spikers Brooke Van Sickle of Petro Gazz and Grethcel Soltones of Akari.
The other awardees were PLDT's Majoy Baron and Cignal's Des Clemente (Best Middle Blocker); Akari's Trisha Tubu (Best Opposite Spiker), and Cignal's Gel Cayuna and Galeries Tower's Alyssa Eroa.
Shar Ancheta of ZUS Coffee was awarded the first-ever Rookie of the Conference award. (PNA)
