By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense volleybelle Bernadeth Pons credited the Creamline Cool Smashers’ dedicated effort in achieving a rare Grand Slam feat in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) last year.

According to the former Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws standout, Pons is personally happy to be part of the Cool Smashers team that was given a special citation for volleyball by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA).

“Sobrang happy and sobrang thankful din na na-recognize kami uli ng PSA,” Pons said in an interview during the PSA Awards on Monday night, January 27, at a hotel in Manila.

“Sobrang thankful din sa teammates, na ito rin ‘yung result ng pinaghirapan namin,” she added.

The Negros Occidental’s Talisay City native Pons played a key role in the Cool Smashers’ Grand Slam last year, particularly in the Invitational Conference where she was named as the tournament and finals MVP.

For her part, Cool Smashers team captain Alyssa Valdez stated that the PSA citation is another reason for them to continue performing better this year.

“We are very, very happy. This is another reason for us to be better this year,” Valdez said.

“Itong award, sana [ito] ‘yung isa sa maging dahilan para mas galingan pa namin,” she added.

The Cool Smashers currently have a 5-0 record in the 2024-2025 PVL 2nd All-Filipino Conference./ASC, WDJ