Creamline Cool Smashers. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER
MANILA, Philippines — Tots Carlos attributed Creamline’s late-game composure to the energy shared within the team and resurgence of Alyssa Valdez to stay unbeaten in three games in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference semifinals.
The Cool Smashers survived another five-setter behind Carlos and Valdez to elude the Cignal HD Spikers, 23-25, 25-16, 25-21, 24-26, 15-10, on Saturday at Philsports Arena.
After being tested for the past two games including their five-set win over F2 Logistics last Thursday, the young opposite spiker lauded Valdez’s stellar play for the past games and credited their team chemistry.
“For me, it’s not about just scoring, it’s about helping each other, sharing our energies together, and how our coaches handle and guide us to every game situation. It’s more on team effort,” said Carlos in Filipino after dropping 27 points including the crucial attacks down the stretch.
“But it’s also good for us that Ate Ly is back. We’re really happy for her,” she added.
Valdez, who continues to peak with another conference-high 22 points, is grateful for the support of her team as she works her way back to her top form coming from a right knee injury last December.
“Honestly, it feels good to contribute to the team and gauge the result of my recovery for the past eight months. I’m happy that my team is always there to support me and we’re all glad to help each other every game,” said the 30-year-old team captain.
Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses praised his selfless wards, especially Carlos and Valdez, who are the winningest MVPs of the league with three each.
“Hindi naman sila nagkakainggitan (There is no envy between them),” said Meneses.
The Cool Smashers, who lead the race to the final with a 3-0 record, will seek to clinch a ticket to the championship game against Vietnam’s Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh on Tuesday and Japan’s Kurashiki Ablaze on Friday.
Meneses said his team prepared for the compressed semis schedule and remained optimistic about their title-retention bid with their winning culture and experience.
“We prepared them for this kind of schedule and we make adjustments in practice when we’re tired from the games like last time. There is no advantage or disadvantage, all the teams have the same schedule. We will fight regardless of the preparation,” said the three-time PVL champion coach.