Pons Shines as Cool Smashers Overcome High Speed Hitters in Thrilling Semifinal Opener

Creamline relied on its championship pedigree to battle past a tough PLDT side in a dramatic five-set showdown, 22-25, 27-25, 19-25, 28-26, 15-10, on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference semifinals.

In front of a roaring crowd of 12,441 fans, the Cool Smashers weathered multiple momentum shifts before closing strong in the deciding set to kick off their semifinal campaign with a hard-earned win. The victory also propelled Creamline into a share of the early lead alongside Cignal HD Spikers, both with 1-0 records in the round-robin semifinals.

Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses credited the intense atmosphere and the match's energy, saying: “Of course, we’re really happy because the game was so entertaining for the fans. There were so many people, and the fans were amazing.”

Bernadeth Pons delivered a career-defining performance, leading Creamline’s escape with an incredible 28-point effort, including 21 attacks, four kill blocks, and three aces. She also anchored the defense with 16 excellent digs and 22 excellent receptions, prompting the crowd to chant “MVPons” as she played a key role in their victory.

“This game was such a morale booster for us because we’re in the semis now. Winning this match was so important,” said Pons after her standout performance.

Despite being on the brink of elimination in the fourth set, Creamline showed its trademark poise, saving three match points from PLDT. Key attacks from Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos kept them alive, and a crucial error from Savannah Davison forced the match into a deciding fifth set.

The momentum carried into the final frame, where Creamline quickly surged ahead. Behind Galanza, Pons, and Bea De Leon, a 5-0 run turned a tight 5-4 lead into a dominant 10-4 advantage, which sealed the win.

Creamline finished the match with its first victory over PLDT in four games, with the last win dating back to the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.

Galanza added 17 points, while team captain Alyssa Valdez chipped in 10 points, playing in just three sets. Jeanette Panaga, De Leon, and Carlos each contributed eight points.

Playmaking was orchestrated by Jia De Guzman, who delivered 20 excellent sets, while Kyla Atienza played a key role in defense with 17 excellent digs. Despite committing 31 errors, Creamline held its composure in the crucial moments to secure the win.

Creamline now shifts focus to a key match against the surging Cignal on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the same venue, with the goal of strengthening their path to the Finals.

For PLDT, the loss dropped them to 0-1 in the semifinals, placing them in a must-win position as they share the bottom spot with Farm Fresh.

Rookie Alleiah Malaluan stood out in defeat, scoring a career-high 23 points, while Savannah Davison added 22 markers. Kianna Dy contributed 16 points.

Setter Kim Fajardo dished out 26 excellent sets, while Kath Arado anchored the defense with 28 excellent digs in a losing effort.

PLDT will look to bounce back in a crucial match against Farm Fresh on Tuesday at 4 p.m., as they fight to stay alive in the semifinals.