Creamline’s star Tots Carlos. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Tots Carlos said the Creamline Cool Smashers banked on their family-like relationship to keep their titles hopes alive and force a do-or-die Game 3 against the Petro Gazz Angels in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Carlos delivered 20 points and 21 excellent receptions in a must-win Game 2 to stave off Petro Gazz in five sets, 18-25, 25-16, 25-18, 23-25, 15-6, on Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“I think we drew strength from the family-like relationship that we have. Coach always tells us to give our all, and leave everything on the floor so we won’t have regrets in the end. Our coaches always remind us that it doesn’t matter what will be the result as long as we give our best always,” said the two-time PVL MVP in Filipino.
Carlos and the Cool Smashers went all out after the Angels forced fifth set with the wing spiker joining hands with Michele Gumabao, Jema Galanza, Jia De Guzman, and Ced Domingo to take Game 2 and forge a rubber match.
Creamline Cool Smashers during Game 2 of the PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals against Petro Gazz. PVL PHOTO
“Personally, I was all out. We were able to adjust and the flow of our team went well. Coach also reminded us to help each other whenever the ball comes,” said Carlos in Filipino. “Our realization from the last game, we lacked support from each other. Today, we played as one and worked as a team.”
Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses hopes the Cool Smashers will continue to play their hearts out in Finals Game 3 on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
“They played their hearts out. We have to double [our efforts] in Game 3. Composure is the most important because when it comes to pressure game as long as you have composure you can move,” Meneses said in Filipino.
“Our players showed their character [in Game 2]. Nobody wanted to lose and nobody gave up. That’s the most important part, they gave their 100 percent.”