PVL: Tots Carlos returning to form for surging Creamline
Creamline’s Tots Carlos, right, reacts during a game against Nxled in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Tots Carlos has rediscovered her old, dangerous form.
Now injury-free, Carlos provided steady firepower for Creamline, helping the Cool Smashers extend their winning run and strengthen their grip on top of the standings in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.
The former University of the Philippines standout opened her week with a 19-point, 13-dig performance in Creamline’s victory over the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 25-14, 17-25, 25-18, 25-23, on Tuesday in San Juan.
She followed it up with 16 points and 13 digs in the Cool Smashers’ gripping five-set triumph over Nxled Chameleons, 25-16, 22-25, 25-21, 15-25, 15-10, on Saturday.
The three-time PVL MVP said the strong stretch is a sign that she has regained her rhythm after spending the past few months recovering from a knee injury.
“I would say the feeling is lighter now. I’m grateful to the coaches because they gave me time to recover. They knew that once I was okay, I’d be able to come back. I’m just happy to have that kind of support,” said Carlos, who was hailed PVL Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live for March 3 to 7, in Filipino.
The veteran opposite also relished the intensity of the five-set battle against Nxled, noting how much she missed competing in high-pressure situations.
“It was exciting as well because it’s been a while since I experienced something like that again. I’m just happy that I was able to go through it again with the team, and that we all really fought for every point,” she said.
Despite the emotions that come with tight matches, Carlos emphasized the importance of maintaining composure—something Creamline continues to stress as the tournament progresses.
“Personally, I have my own goal and my own reason going into every game. I’m happy that we experienced that kind of scenario because our coaches always remind us that if we get too carried away with intensity, it won’t help us. What really matters is composure and simply doing our job,” she added.
The 27-year-old spiker edged teammate Jema Galanza, PLDT’s Savi Davison, Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina, Cignal’s Vanie Gandler, and Akari’s Ivy Lacsina for the weekly citation handed out by reporters covering the professional league organized by Sports Vision.
Carlos and the rest of the Cool Smashers will look to keep their momentum going when they face the Akari Chargers on Thursday. The match will be streamed live and on demand via the Pilipinas Live app and on www.pvl.ph.
