Pons lifts undermanned Creamline to sweep Akari, snares 9th PVL title

For the shorthanded Creamline Cool Smashers, it was Bernadeth Pons who starred for their ninth championship taking as they drubbed the undefeated Akari Chargers, 25-15, 25-23, 25-17, in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference knockout finals at the PhilSports Arena, September 4.

Despite the absence of their main guns Alyssa Valdez, Jema Galanza, and Tots Carlos, Creamline asserted their championship mastery with her, leading the way in firing on the loose ends of the newcomers Akari defense to nab their second Reinforced Conference title.

Pons who was consistent in all parts of the floor all-season long, received not one but two MVP’s – Most Valuable Player of the Conference and the Finals MVP – as she unleashed 19 points made up of 14 attacks and five service aces.

"Sobrang saya, thank you Lord! Unang-una kasi first reinforced conference ko ito with Creamline and sobrang saya ko na nakuha namin yung championship," the MVP said.

Pons’ spiking barrage and Bea De Leon’s middle presence sparked a fiery 7-0 stint as they limited Akari to six attacks, closing out the first frame with a 10-point lead.

While Creamline gave the chargers an overwhelming welcome in the opening frame, Akari went on to give Creamline a gallant fight with both teams at 22-apiece in the crucial moments of the second set.

Kyle Negrito, however, wasted no time as she quickly adjusted to Pons’ futile service reception, orchestrating a quick and reliable set to Pangs Panaga who scored with a quick attack, 23-22.

The Finals MVP redeemed the attack with a service ace and put Creamline a set away from the title; while Kamille Cal’s dump attack kept Akari close, her service error ultimately gave Creamline the second set.

Experience called the game in the end for Creamline, making the right plays and exposing Akari’s poor execution in the third frame with Panaga putting the nail in the coffin with a quick attack.

Erica Stauntan who is also the youngest reinforcement in the PVL racked up 13 points off nine attacks, three rejections, and an ace while Michelle Gumabao tallied 10 markers made up of eight attacks, a block, and an ace to deliver Creamline to the promised land.

Meanwhile, the forces of Akari’s Reiforcement Oly Okaro and Best Outside Hitter Gretchel Soltones topped the game up with a 14 and nine, respectively.