By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Negrense Bernadeth Pons stepped into the spotlight and delivered a steady all-around performance as the Creamline Cool Smashers swept the Capital1 Solar Spikers, 25-18, 26-24, 25-20, in the PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan City on Saturday night, February 21.
With veteran star Alyssa Valdez surprisingly not fielded in throughout the match, Pons anchored the Cool Smashers’ offense with 14 points on 12 attacks, one block and one service ace to earn Player of the Game honors.
The Negros Occidental’s Talisay City native volleybelle also set the tone emotionally, emphasizing the team’s positive approach despite the absence of one of its leaders.
“Ini-spread lang namin ‘yung good vibes sa loob ng court. Whether lamang kami o hindi, in-enjoy lang namin ‘yung game,” the former national beach volleyball team member said.
Diana Carlos paced the team with 15 points and 10 excellent digs, while Jessica Galanza added a double-double of 13 points and 13 excellent receptions as the Cool Smashers improved to 3-1.
Mhicaela Belen erupted for a game-high 26 points along with nine excellent digs, but her effort was not enough to prevent the Solar Spikers from sliding to a 2-3 win-loss record.
Meanwhile, the Farm Fresh Foxies sustained their strong form, overpowering the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in straight sets, 25-14, 25-18, 25-18, to secure its second consecutive victory.
Jolina dela Cruz was named Player of the Game after delivering an efficient all-around performance, finishing with 13 points built on 10 attacks, two aces and one block to lead the Foxies.
Farm Fresh controlled the match from the opening set, imposing its offensive rhythm and consistent defense to keep the Thunderbelles on the back foot.
The Foxies never allowed ZUS Coffee to establish momentum, maintaining their intensity throughout the contest.
With the win, Farm Fresh improved its record to 2-2, while its sister team, ZUS Coffee, absorbed their second straight defeat, dropping to 1-4 in the standings./ASC, WDJ