PVL: Tots Carlos grateful for chance to learn during Korea tryout

Creamline Cool Smashers’ Tots Carlos in the PVL All-Filipino semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Tots Carlos may not have been drafted in the 2024 Korean Volleyball (KOVO) Women’s Asian Quota, but she relished her opportunity to compete with other international players in South Korea.

After Carlos, Mylene Paat, and MJ Phillips were left undrafted in the Korean V-League, the three-time PVL MVP arrived in Manila at 1:30 a.m. on the same day as Creamline’s crucial semifinal game against Petro Gazz in the 2024 PVL All-FIlipino Conference.

Carlos showed no signs of fatigue as she poured in 21 points built on 17 attacks, three blocks, and an ace with Creamline edging Petro Gazz, 27-25, 23-25, 27-25, 26-24, and keeping its Final hopes alive on Thursday at Philsports Arena.

READ: PVL: Tots Carlos returns for Creamline vs Petro Gazz

“It was my choice to go there, and I’m grateful to the management, coaches, and teammates for really letting me grab that opportunity,” said Carlos in Filipino. “They expect me to really play today, and really deliver. I’m happy because coach still let me play even though I just arrived and they continue trusting me.”

WATCH: Tots Carlos talks about her experience in the KOVO tryouts. #PVL2024 | @LanceAgcaoilINQpic.twitter.com/CiMqrxQ3P8

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“What I did was a personal matter, a personal decision. I’m grateful that they allowed me but of course, I will continue to work here in the Philippines,” she added.

Despite missing the chance to earn her first overseas stint, the University of the Philippines product still enjoyed the experience of being among the 36 aspirants in Jeju Island during the three-day KOVO tryouts.

READ: PVL: Playing without Tots Carlos no excuse for Creamline loss

“It was a fun experience because I saw their volleyball program. I played with different players and learned a lot from them. My core memory was really how organized the Koreans in their volleyball league are and how they really take care of their foreign players,” said Carlos.

“I just played my volleyball without expectations. They’re very tall, but honestly, I was satisfied with my performance and happy to have that kind of opportunity.”

With Creamline improving to 1-1, and needing to win its last semis game against Chery Tiggo on Sunday to reach the finals, Carlos’ focus now is to get her team’s ultimate goal. 

But if an opportunity abroad presents itself, Carlos is not closing her door.

“If there are chances, yeah. As I said at the start of this year, if ever there will be an opportunity overseas, I will grab it,” she said.