BERNADETH Pons vows to repay her coaches’ trust as she tries to find her rhythm in indoor volleyball play.
In her highly-anticipated indoor comeback after four years, the beach volleyball star went scoreless in under five minutes of play in Creamline’s opening-day win over Chery Tiggo on Tuesday.
There were improvements in her second match on Thursday as she scored four in the Cool Smashers’ straight-sets victory over Gerflor Defenders.
See Creamline much too good for PVL newcomer Gerflor Defenders
“Sobrang grateful lang din ako sa trust na binigay ng coaches sa akin kasi sobrang nag-struggle talaga ako sa pagbalik ko sa indoor,” said the the 5-foot-7 Pons, twice bronze medalist in Southeast Asian Games beach volleyball.
“Almost four years na hindi ako naglaro ng indoor. Pagbalik ko, super fast play talaga sila so 'di ko pa agad-agad makukuha, 'di ko pa agad-agad ma-aadapt,” she shared.
“Pero syempre sabi ko nga, wino-work out ko siya eveyday. Lagi akong nag-oobserve sa mga training kung pano nila ginagawa yung mga ganito,” she said.
Cool Smashers team captain Alyssa Valdez, who played against Pons in the UAAP, lauded the former Far Eastern University star for her work ethic.
“Sobrang professional si Pons. Makikita mo talaga na she's the first person who will come in in practice, really prepare for practice. Siya rin yung huling matatapos,” she shared.
“She's a great model not just sa mga bata but to seniors of the team as well.”
Despite being reduced to a second stringer, Pons remained upbeat and ready whenever her number is called.
“Lagi lang talaga ako nagma-mindset na everytime pwede akong gamitin so dapat ready ako,” she said.
The Cool Smashers return to action on July 13 to battle PLDT High Speed Hitters at PhilSports Arena.
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