They’re looking invincible.
Two five-setters in two straight games in the semifinals. No wonder Tots Carlos has her head dropped as Saturday’s postgame presser started.
The Creamline Cool Smashers needed every ounce of their energy to defeat the Cignal HD Spikers at the PhilSports Arena, just two days after the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers pushed them to the limit.
Coach Sherwin Meneses, who remains calm as ever, showed relief for the defending PVL Invitational Conference champions.
“Ang magandang resulta, nanalo kami, pangalawang beses na [sa five-set games]. Masaya kami kasi lumalapit ‘yung situation na makapunta uli kami sa Finals,” Meneses told reporters after the game.
Tots Carlos, who led the team’s attack with 27 points, did not seem to mind going through this ordeal as it brings out the best in their team.
“The more na dikdikan ‘yung laban, the more na makikita mo na magtutulungan talaga. Through these five-setter games, personally for me nakikita ko na napapalakas pa niya ‘yung loob ng team,” Carlos said.
“Sobrang proud kami sa isa’t isa kasi nakita niyo naman, kahit lumilipad ‘yung bola pa-likod, hinahabol pa rin ng bawat isa. ‘Yung tiyaga kasi ng team nandiyan,” she added.
Carlos did not have to carry the load alone, as Jema Galanza pitched in 21 points of her own, while Alyssa Valdez continues to return to full form post-injury after she notched 22 markers.
When asked about how they feel as their games complement each other, Valdez and Carlos took a couple of seconds until Meneses chimed in—to emphasize that playing off each other is just another day in the office for the Cool Smashers.
“Wala naman siguro. Hindi naman sila nagkakainggitan, ako na ‘yung sasagot,” said Coach Sherwin.
“Masaya lang ako na nandito sila, and masaya din kami na lahat nagtutulong tulong sa Creamline,” added Valdez.
“Hindi lang naman sa score kami nagtutulungan, pero maganda na lahat talaga [nagko-contribute],” stated Carlos.
Now undefeated in six games this conference, Creamline will put their might to the test as they face Vietnamese side Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh on Tuesday, July 25.
(With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada, One Sports Digital)