MANILA — Bernadeth Pons delivered a performance worthy of her MVP status, leading the Creamline Cool Smashers to a thrilling five-set victory over the Petro Gazz Angels, 25-15, 16-25, 25-21, 15-25, 15-9, in Game 2 of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals on Thursday (10 Apr 2025) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the win, Creamline forced a do-or-die Game 3 in the best-of-three championship series, keeping its dream of a fifth straight All-Filipino title alive.

Pons fired 22 points, highlighted by clutch hits in the deciding fifth set, and added 12 excellent receptions and nine digs. Her poise under pressure helped Creamline withstand a tough challenge from a veteran-laden Petro Gazz squad.

“That fifth set in the last game really taught us a lesson,” said Pons, referring to their Game 1 collapse where Creamline squandered a two-set comeback and faded late in the decider. “We made sure not to let it happen again. Our mindset was just to take it one point at a time, move on quickly from mistakes, and stay focused.”

11,000 fans

In front of more than 11,000 fans, the reigning Reinforced Conference MVP showed nerves of steel as she anchored the Cool Smashers’ late-game surge. Petro Gazz had pushed Creamline to the limit in a back-and-forth battle, but Pons and company refused to yield.

“Coach reminded us after Game 1 that it’s not over. That really stuck with us,” Pons said. “Even before we left for the venue, we told ourselves we’re not giving up — not until it’s truly over.”

With the stage now set for a winner-take-all finale on Saturday, Pons promised the Cool Smashers will be bringing everything they’ve got.

“We’re going all out on Saturday. It’s the last game — there’s no next time,” she said. “We’ve come this far, and we’re going to fight with everything we have. All out. All heart.”

Game 3 of the PVL Finals is scheduled for Saturday, with both teams vying to cement their place in league history.