Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL Invitational Conference. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Tots Carlos is thrilled to play again with fellow three-time Premier Volleyball League Most Valuable Player Alyssa Valdez as she returns to her original position as an opposite spiker in the 2023 Invitational Conference.
In Valdez’s first PVL game since suffering a right knee injury in December, Carlos unleashed 24 points in her comfort zone as Creamline swept the new-look Chery Tiggo, 25-22, 25-22, 25-17, for its first Pool A win on Tuesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
“I’m so happy because it’s been my position for a long time and that’s what the team needs right now since, Ate Ly is back. I felt more comfortable with my position right now,” said Carlos in Filipino after dropping 21 attacks and three blocks on top of nine digs.
When Valdez missed the whole All-Filipino Conference due to her injury, the 24-year-old Carlos was converted to outside spiker but she still shone and won her third MVP to tie their captain as the winningest player for the award and led the Cool Smashers to a championship.
The former University of the Philippines star was happy for her veteran teammate, whose presence still loomed large in the first conference despite recovering from injury.
“Ate Ly is always there for us. Even she was injured, she kept guiding us in games and training. It’s better now because she is back to help us on the court. Her leadership is different and we’re grateful now that she is back,” Carlos said.
Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses marveled at Carlos’ 24-point explosion in just three sets, believing that going back to her original position inspired her.
“Tots woke up on the right side of the bed. Actually last week, she has been doing well in practice. and it came out tonight. It was great, 24 points in three sets. It was a lot. I think she’s happy to be back in her original position that’s why she played all out,” he said in Filipino.
Despite a rousing midseason debut for Creamline, Carlos hopes to address their lapses when they eye their second Pool A win against the debuting Gerflor Defenders on Thursday at 1:30 p.m.
“We’re still polishing the system of the team. We’re avoiding the errors from the small balls because we’re already intact and the chemistry is already there so we should avoid those minor lapses,” she said.