By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Bernadeth Pons expressed elation at her defensive contributions for the Creamline Cool Smashers in the ongoing PVL Reinforced Conference.

According to the Negros Occidental’s Talisay City-native, she is prouder of her defensive performance than her offensive contributions for the Cool Smashers.

“Syempre, lagi talagang mag-contribute para sa team,” Pons said.

“Kapag nasa harap ako, ang contribution ko for the team is ‘yung sa opensa namin,” she added.

“Kapag sa likod ako, iniisip ko lang papasa ako ng maayos, dedepensa ako para sa teammates ko na nasa harap. Ayaw ko lang din talaga magpabagsak ng bola basta-basta sa likod. Masyado kong ine-enjoy ‘yung role ko sa likod,” she added.

Pons ranked as the second-best local player in scoring after the preliminary round with 131 points.

She is also second in reception (46.48 percent efficiency) and fifth in digging (3.23 per set).

During their come-from-behind 20-25, 26-28, 25-18, 27-25, 15-13 semis victory against the Cignal HD Spikers, Pons contributed 24 excellent receptions and 17 excellent digs on top of her 28 points.

“Sobrang saya nga kasi unang-una, napanalo namin itong game na ito. Sobrang hirap talaga bago namin nakuha ‘yung game na ito,” the former Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws star said.

“Grabe rin talaga ‘yung nilaro ng Cignal. Sobrang binigay din talaga nila lahat. And, thank God, na kami ‘yung nakapanalo ngayon,” the former national women’s beach volleyball mainstay added.

Creamline will go for their ninth crown against the Akari Power Chargers on Wednesday, September 4, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City./ASC, WDJ