PVL: Creamline back in business as Jia de Guzman and Bernadeth Pons show out under MOA lights

After some time walking on separate paths, Jia de Guzman and Bernadeth Pons return to Creamline for a unified purpose: to bring the Cool Smashers back to their championship ways.

Still trying to get their team chemistry down pat after Creamline’s opening game defeat to PLDT, both De Guzman and Pons subsequently showcased their class against Choco Mucho last Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

En route to a four-set win over the Flying Titans, Pons manufactured 19 points, 18 excellent receptions, and 13 digs, earning her Player of the Game honors.

Meanwhile, the eight-time Philippine Volleyball League best setter de Guzman had 20 excellent sets to go along with eight points.

Playing in MOA for the first time since she made the move to play in Japan, de Guzman savored the opportunity to play in front of home support once again.

“Super saya kasi the last time I got to play in MOA was back in 2023. Then with a big crowd like this, against Choco Mucho pa. Sobrang nakaka-miss lang talaga,” shared the Alas captain.

“The feeling was very surreal walking into the arena kanina. And maririnig 'yung cheers for both sides every point, nakakagana rin talaga maglaro. Nakakawala rin ng pagod,” De Guzman added.

On the other hand, fresh off her historic gold-medal victory in the Southeast Asian Games with the Alas Pilipinas beach volleyball team, Pons is delighted to be back indoors and contributing to the Cool Smashers.

“Sobrang saya din na makapaglaro ulit dito sa MOA kasi ilang months din na hindi ako nakapaglaro ng indoor. Iba pa rin 'yung aura ng pagpasok mo kanina, sobrang daming tao din talaga,” the 29-year-old outside hitter shared.

With Creamline grabbing its breakthrough win of the All-Filipino Conference, head coach Sherwin Meneses stays pragmatic as his team ramps up momentum alongside the welcome returns of de Guzman and Pons.

“Ang target namin is ma-improve every day, every training. Then 'yung game naman, lagi naman nadiyan yung motivation namin na manalo kami at tumaas pa lalo yung chemistry namin kahit magkakakilala kasi syempre iba talaga 'yung team effort palagi,” Meneses said.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News