Carlos’ absence a challenge for Lady Maroons

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

The absence of the injured Tots Carlos is a major blow to University of the Philippines’ offseason preparation and campaign in the Premier Volleyball League.

It could also be a blessing in disguise.

UP coach Godfrey Okumu thinks Carlos’ loss will also serve as a big test to the Lady Maroons.

READ: PVL: Molde powers UP past Perpetual Help

“We miss her services a lot, but it’s also a challenge for our team how can we hold ourselves without the team captain and so far so good,” said the Kenyan mentor.

UP hardly needed Carlos in its debut in the PVL Collegiate Conference after ripping University of Perpetual Help in straight sets, 25-10, 25-12, 25-23.

As expected, Isa Molde spearheaded the Lady Maroons but she also got enough support from her teammates with the likes of Marian Buitre, Aiesha Gannaban, Roselyn Rosier and Genn Layug giving the squad a lift.

Carlos won’t be playing in the Collegiate Conference due to a shin splint that, according to Okumu, has bothered the star spiker since the previous UAAP season.

“She experienced the pains when we were actually playing in the UAAP and we just took it for granted like you’ll recover, you’re a tough person so after that, then, there was the PSL where she played for Foton,” he said.

“She did not take a break and after that that’s when we took her to the doctor to be checked and the doctor said she needs rest.”

Okumu said Carlos won’t be cleared for training until the next couple of weeks.

“When she’s ready to play that would be a bonus for us and that’s what we’re waiting for,” he said.

“We decided not to line her up. I wish I would’ve but we have to respect the doctor’s opinion and advise and we have to think about her future as a player.”

The present, even with Carlos still recuperating, looks promising for UP.