Creamline Cool Smashers’ Bernadeth Pons during the AVC Champions League. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines —Jema Galanza and Bernadeth Pons relished the opportunity to represent the country in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Champions League, despite Creamline’s quarterfinal exit on Thursday night at Philsports Arena.
The Cool Smashers were swept by Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima in the knockout round, 15-25, 22-25, 16-25. Pons and Galanza led the team’s effort, while Ana Kudryashova topscored with nine points.
Bernadeth Pons grateful for her international indoor stint with Creamline. #AVCChampionsLeague | @LanceAgcaoilINQ
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READ: AVC: Creamline’s semifinals hopes dashed with Nakhon sweep
Pons, who led all local scorers with eight points, couldn’t hold back tears after completing her first indoor international stint with Creamline.
“First of all, I’m just really, really grateful for the opportunity to play again. I said this during my first time representing the Philippines. And I get to do it with Creamline,” said Pons, a two-time SEA Games beach volleyball bronze medalist before joining Creamline.
“I just really enjoyed being on the court. I’m so thankful. It honestly made me emotional.”
Creamline Cool Smashers’ Jema Galanza during the AVC Champions League. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
Galanza, a mainstay of Alas Pilipinas, was also sentimental as she suited up for Creamline in the AVC for the first time since the 2022 Challenge Cup held at the same venue in Pasig City.
READ: AVC: Creamline no answer for ‘very talented, very tall’ Zhetsyu team
” I’m just really happy to be able to play internationally again and to do it with Creamline,” said Galanza in Filipino after scoring three points.
“It’s something I’ll carry with me forever. It’s different when you’re with your volleyball family. You feel comfortable, they know your game, and they know how to bring out the best in you.”
Creamline opened its AVC campaign with a win over Jordan’s Al Naser Club, but fell in back-to-back matches to semifinalists Zhetysu, which swept Pool A and eliminated PLDT, and Nakhon Ratchasima in the quarterfinals.
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Despite the recent setbacks — including their failed five-peat bid in the PVL All-Filipino Conference finals — Galanza is embracing the lessons learned and looks forward to future opportunities, whether in the next PVL conference or another AVC tournament.
“As for the losses — that’s just how it is. Nobody’s perfect. There’s always a next time. I just hope next time we get to prepare better, especially with imports. But in the next AVC we play, I hope it’s not just the imports playing well. Of course, we want to step up too, and be more ready,” Galanza said.
