For a relatively steady squad like the Creamline Cool Smashers, Alyssa Valdez considers the addition of Bernadeth Pons as a welcome one.
"Pink looks good on you," Valdez told Pons after Creamline swept the new squad Gerflor Defenders, 25-18, 25-11, 25-12.
The Cool Smashers actually wore white with purple splashes on Thursday, but the intent was well-received.
The beach volleyball standout scored four points off the bench.
"'Di pa agad makukuha, 'di agad makaka-adapt," Pons admitted. "Wino-work out ko siya everday. Lagi rin talaga akong nagma-mindset so anytime, ready ako."
But team captain Valdez considers Pons' impact to be greater off the court.
"Honestly, I think Pons brings a different energy sa team," Valdez shared. "Sobrang professional kasi si Pons."
She recounted how Pons would be the first person to come in for practice and would be the last to stay until cooldown.
"She's a great role model, not just sa mga bata but to..." Valdez trailed, tapping her chest and looking at coach Sherwin Meneses before completing her sentence, "...seniors as well, of the team."
The Phenom laughed; she was celebrating her 30th birthday after all.
"It's very nice always to add something, na meron laging change," she said.
Creamline has been relatively intact and steady—only adjusting last year when Michele Gumabao returned to action and last conference when Valdez was recovering from her injury.
"We welcome change in our team. Good change. And that's Pons."
Creamline will return to action on July 13 against the PLDT High Speed Hitters at 4 p.m.
(With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada, One Sports Digital)