Tots Carlos Treats Injury Layoff as Period of Reflection

Tots Carlos is back for the Creamline Cool Smashers.

DASMARIÑAS, CAVITE – After six months, Tots Carlos is officially back in uniform for the Creamline Cool Smashers. 

Carlos made her long-awaited comeback as Creamline opened their 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference campaign against the Akari Chargers over the weekend at the Dasmariñas City Arena. For the star opposite hitter, it’s the culmination of a tough journey to recover from a “complicated” knee injury. 

“It was a bit complicated kasi ‘yung injury ko, so we had to figure out talaga kung ano ‘yung magwo-work sa akin; so ‘yun lang, sabi ko nga sa interview ko kanina, it took me a lot of patience and discipline to get back,” Carlos reflected. 

“Kasi nga, mindset also kasi when you have injuries, it’s very frustrating, so you just really have to make the most out of it. So ‘yun lang, I learned a lot with everything that happened with my injuries, so that’s one thing to look at the other side, and I’m happy naman.” 

The three-time PVL Most Valuable Player chipped in 12 points for the Cool Smashers, although it wasn’t enough as the Chargers held firm in crunch time to take the opening weekend victory. 

“Positive naman ‘yung team after the game kasi it wasn’t really an easy game, and lahat naman nakita na nag-effort and tough loss talaga,” said Carlos after the 25-23, 23-25, 28-30, 25-23, 12-15 loss. 

“Honestly, I appreciate the team for working hard, and sabi ko nga, hindi madali ‘yung game kasi maganda rin naman talaga ‘yung laro ng Akari and everyone’s working doon sa team nila. We just really have to react sa ginagawa ng kabilang team.” 

Disappointing as their opening game was, Tots Carlos and Creamline will now turn their attention to their game against Petro Gazz Angels this Tuesday, October 14, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. 

“Just like any other game, after matapos ng isang game, we have to focus on the next one, and we only have a limited time to prepare. The coaches naman, nagbibigay ng feedback sa amin na kailangan lang sundin.” 

Images courtesy of the Premier Volleyball League.