Quezon city: Creamline's Bernadeth Pons and Cignal's Vanie Gandler are poised to be the central figures as the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference best-of-three finals series kicks off at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

According to Philippines News Agency, Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses emphasized that while conditioning is crucial in their quest for an 11th championship, the performance of Pons is equally important. Pons herself acknowledged the significance of the team's intact core as they head into the finals, expressing gratitude and a strong desire to win the championship this conference.

Pons was instrumental in Creamline's semifinal run, scoring 28 points against PLDT and following up with 17 and 12 points against Cignal and Farm Fresh, respectively. After achieving a historic Grand Slam in 2024, the Cool Smashers experienced a setback last season, making their current campaign even more significant.

On the other side, Gandler's intensity has been a standout feature throughout Cignal's campaign, particularly in their 25-13, 13-25, 25-16, 25-16 semifinal victory over Creamline. Her 24 points, coupled with 10 digs and 10 receptions, were pivotal in securing the Super Spikers' first finals berth. Gandler attributes her development as a player to her team, highlighting the collective purpose that drives Cignal's success.

The potential clash of Pons and Gandler could see both players neutralize each other statistically if they perform at their peak. Pons remains confident in her team's ability to return to the finals, acknowledging the increased level of competition and the challenges that come with it. Gandler, meanwhile, emphasizes a championship mindset that extends beyond merely reaching the finals, focusing on training and playing like champions every day.