Most Valuable Player (MVP) candidate Bernadeth Pons said Creamline did not want to “die” in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference.

And they did just that.

The league powerhouse ousted none other than its rival, Petro Gazz, in a quick 25-23, 25-19, 25-18 rout on Tuesday, August 27, at FilOil EcoOil Centre to advance to the next round, booking a semifinal duel with the Cignal HD Spikers.

Pons said the team embraced a “do-or-do” mindset as they faced the Angels in the knockout round.

“Unang-una, masaya kasi na-survive namin ‘yung game. Do-or-die nga ‘to and hindi ganun kadaling kalaban nga rin ‘yung Petro Gazz kasi mga beterano na rin sila. Sabi nga namin sa isa’t isa, ‘It’s a do-or-do, so we’re not gonna die,’” Pons told reporters after the match.

The outside hitter aided the Cool Smashers’ offense with 16 points and completed an all-around gameplay after protecting their side of the taraflex with 12 excellent receptions.

Pons added that the triumph was also a way for the Cool Smashers to continue their campaign with their young 23-year-old import, Erica Staunton.

“So gusto rin naming talaga ma-extend ‘yung [conference] na ‘to for Erica rin kasi sobrang nag-e-enjoy din talaga siya dito sa volleyball sa Philippines and, of course, hindi pa tapos ‘yung laban.”

Pons is also looking forward to facing her former college coach, Shaq delos Santos.

The All-Filipino champs will play the HD Spikers at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

“Syempre, excited ako na makalaban din sila. Alam ko na kilala ako ni coach kung paano ako maglaro, pero mas marami na akong baon ngayon,” Pons said.

“Si Coach Shaq hindi naman napuputol ‘yung communication namin. Minsan naman nag-uusap pa rin kami,” she noted.

“Proud siya sa nagiging performance ko ngayon so, syempre, isa rin ‘yun sa motivation ko para mas mag-perform pa lalo, lalo na sila ‘yung makakaharap namin.” (ABS-CBN News)