Tots Carlos.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Tots Carlos won’t play for Alas Pilipinas in the FIVB Challenger Cup.
And as to why Carlos will skip the national team’s upcoming campaign, coach Jorge Souza De Brito said Rebisco, the Creamline star’s mother company, will provide the details.
“[She] plays good. She’s always been the one who we requested for us for the national team. But at the moment, she’s not there. Rebisco will release something [about the development soon]. What we’re expecting is to bring the guys who are really good at the same time,” De Brito told reporters after watching his home country, Brazil’s game against France in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Carlos was added to the Alas Pilipinas pool after it won bronze in the AVC Challenge Cup last month. However, only Bella Belen, Jema Galanza, and Alyssa Solomon joined the team’s buildup for the VNL qualifier.
READ: Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza added to Alas Pilipinas pool
“It’s always hard, but we’re prepared to go against Vietnam,” said De Brito. “Since we have more time, we can now have better preparations. The expectations are supposed to be always high so we have to work really hard and not just stand there, waiting for the guys to repeat the performance [in the Challenge Cup].”
Alas battles Challenge Cup champion Vietnam on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in a knockout game, seeking to advance to the semifinal.
De Brito believes the team chemistry of the new additions with Best Setter and captain Jia De Guzman and Best Opposite Spiker Angel Canino, as well as Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, Fifi Sharma, Thea Gagate, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Cherry Nunag, Dell Palomata, Faith Nisperos, Jennifer Nierva, Arah Panique, Julia Coronel, and Vanie Gandler are getting better.
READ: Tots Carlos grateful for chance to learn in Korea tryout
“They are much better now. It wasn’t lucky at that moment [in the AVC Challenge Cup] but it’s a short time for preparation. I’ll have more [preparation] so we can offer much more for each other and ourselves. I think that’s the way we have to do and expect for this team,” said the Brazilian coach, who got his contract extension until next year’s Southeast Asian Games.
Carlos, a three-time PVL MVP, last saw action for the national team in the past two SEA Games.