‘Magagaling’: Tots Carlos credits coaches for Creamline’s unforgiving form despite long break

The Creamline Cool Smashers continued their winning ways in the PVL Invitational Conference, smashing the PLDT High Speed Hitters in straight sets, 25-21, 25-20, 25-21, in the penultimate match of Thursday’s quadruple header at the PhilSports Arena.

Leading the way for the Cool Smashers was All-Filipino Conference MVP Tots Carlos, who scored 22 big points built on 17 attacks, 2 blocks, and 3 aces. Those 3 aces, which came consecutively in the third set, proved to be game-changers, as they brought Creamline back from down 12-14 to up 15-14—and with considerable momentum.

It was yet another spectacular showing from the hard-hitting three-time MVP, who heaped praise on the Creamline coaching staff for keeping the team sharp, rust-free, and unforgiving despite a long two-week break.

“Two weeks preparation naging advantage sa team ‘cause we prepared very well,” Carlos said in the postgame Player of the Match interview with One Sports’ Kyla Kingsu. “Tapos, magagaling kasi yung mga coaches namin, so talagang naplano nila ‘yung strength and conditioning, ‘yung training ng bola, anong skills ‘yung ite-training today. Ang galing lang na it’s really working for us.”

Carlos also credited Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses for her undeniable grace under pressure, as evidenced by her three consecutive aces that turned the tide back to the Cool Smashers.

“‘Yung mga ganung moments, lagi lang sinasabi sa ‘min ni Coach Sherwin na ‘pag nandun kami, ‘pag napunta kami sa ganung scenario, lagi lang namin isipin paano namin i-o-overcome,” Carlos explained. “Nakukuha rin kasi ‘yan sa training and extra work, so lahat ng ginagawa namin nabibigyan kami ng result.”