By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Bernadeth Pons tallied another all-around performance as the Creamline Cool Smashers defeated the Kurashiki Ablaze of Japan, 25-22, 25-22, 26-28, 25-21, in the PVL Invitational Conference at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday, September 8.

The Negros Occidental’s Talisay City-native finished with a triple-double of 13 points, 13 excellent digs and 21 excellent receptions as the Cool Smashers improved to a 2-0 win-loss slate in the five-team tournament.

Erica Staunton led the way with 21 points, including 18 attacks, while Michele Gumabao delivered another solid performance, finishing with 19 points on 17 attacks and two blocks, for Creamline.

According to Gumabao, the Cool Smashers studied the movements and tendencies of the Ablaze players during their previous matches to finally secure a victory against the Japan-based team.

“We just really have to be disciplined. They have a very good system, ‘yung mga fast plays nila,” Gumabao said.

“They are not a very tall team, but they are very hardworking inside the court,” she added.

The Ablaze, which were undefeated in six games in last year’s Invitational Conference, dropped to a 2-1 win-loss slate.

They were led by 14 points from Taniguchi Saya.

Meanwhile, the Cignal HD Spikers overcame a tight first two sets before prevailing over EST Cola of Thailand, 25-23, 27-25, 25-12, to tie the Cool Smashers on top with a 2-0 record.

MJ Perez spearheaded the offense with 28 points, including five kill blocks, to go with 12 excellent digs and nine receptions, while Frances Molina backed her up with 12 markers for the HD Spikers.

“I’m very happy we pulled off this win. The first two sets were extremely tough, but our mindset was clear — we wanted to get it,” said Perez, the PVL Reinforced Conference’s Best Import winner./ASC, WDJ