By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Bernadeth Pons stepped up offensively for the Creamline Cool Smashers as they prevailed over the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, 25-20, 24-26, 25-16, 25-19, in the PVL Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday night, July 30.

The Negros Occidental’s Talisay City-native finished with a double-double of 25 points and 23 excellent receptions as the shorthanded Cool Smashers improved to a 2-1 win-loss slate.

“Medyo disappointed ako dun sa naging performance ko last game, kasi alam ko na I can do better pa, parang ‘yun ang naging motivation ko for this game,” said Pons, referring to her nine-point output against the Farm Fresh Foxies last week.

“Expected naman namin na hindi magiging madali ‘yung laban kasi Chery Tiggo ‘yan. So talagang pinag-aralan namin kung papaano kami mag-counter. In-apply lang namin ‘yung lahat ng inensayo namin,” she added.

The Cool Smashers were comfortably ahead at 19-14 in the fourth set, but the Crossovers made their last push behind reinforcement Khat Bell to cut the deficit to 19-22.

Creamline responded with back-to-back conversions from Risa Sato to reach match point at 24-19, before Pons secured their second straight victory with a drop shot over two Chery Tiggo defenders.

Bell finished with 31 markers to lead the Crossovers, which dropped to a 2-1 record with the loss.

Meanwhile, Yeny Murillo took over the scoring for the Farm Fresh Foxies in the fifth set as they defeated the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 25-22, 35-37, 23-25, 25-20, 15-10.

The Colombian import tallied 29 points, including eight in the fifth set, to go with 16 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs as the Foxies improved to a 1-2 record in Pool A.

Trisha Tubu and Caitlyn Viray contributed with 18 points each, Ckyle Tagsip tallied 15 markers, including four blocks, Louie Romero delivered 27 excellent sets, while Janel Delerio ended with 25 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions./ASC, WDJ