PVL: Tots Carlos grateful for support as works to regain peak form

Creamline Cool Smashers’ Tots Carlos during a PVL All-Filipino Conference game. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines —While only playing limited minutes, Tots Carlos still made a huge impact as Creamline stayed unbeaten in five games in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

But the Cool Smashers star admits that she’s still working her way back to peak form, only playing in the first and third sets and scoring 10 points in Creamline’s 25-19, 25-19, 25-18 win over Capital1 on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.

LIVE: PVL All-Filipino Conference January 21

“It’s still a work in progress. It’s always like that when there’s an inury. Even our healthy teammates are dealing with minor issues here and there. So, for me, it’s still a work in progress to be able to play without much pain or to play confidently in all my movements,” said Carlos.

“Maybe at this point, my injury is at 70 or 80 percent. That’s what we’re still working on.”

Carlos is grateful to have a very patient coaching staff and teammates, who are ready to step up to fill in the void left by her absence.

“We’re happy and grateful that even when we’re not around, our teammates and coaches are there supporting us. They’ve been generous enough to give me the time I need to fully recover. We also have support from our PTs who help us so we can play,” she said.

READ: PVL: Tots Carlos staying patient in awaited Creamline return

“I’m grateful for this kind of environment and the support we get from management and coaches, who aren’t rushing us and really want all of us to be healthy.”

Although she’s still not in her past lethal form, Carlos vows to deliver for the Cool Smashers whenever her number gets called.

“Whenever they give me a chance to play, I know there’s always support behind me. Even from my teammates, I know there are people behind me. For me, I’m not pressured to score 38 points every game because I have their support. Whenever they give me the chance to play, of course, I give 100 percent, but at the same time, I think it’s also a way for us to measure where I am in terms of my recovery from the injury,” said Carlos.

“Our volleyball game isn’t about one person; it’s really about teamwork.”

Creamline eyes its sixth win against the winless Nxled on Tuesday next week.