Missing out on Creamline's grand slam run last year, Tots Carlos finally gets her chance to deliver another PVL title for the Cool Smashers in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
After a lengthy recovery from injury, Tots Carlos is excited to make her return to the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals with the Creamline Cool Smashers.
Carlos played a pivotal role in the Cool Smashers’ dominant 25-19, 25-15, 25-15 win over Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Thursday, April 3, contributing 13 points and helping propel the Cool Smashers to their seventh straight Finals.
Having missed a significant part of last season, including their historic Grand Slam victory, Carlos is grateful for the unwavering support from her team, management, and coaches.
“Honestly, it’s been a while for me kasi naka-miss ako ilang conferences, so it’s just nice to be back here,” Carlos said during the post-game press conference. “I just want to show my appreciation to the team, to the management, to the coaches na sinuportahan ‘yung journey nung injury ko.”
[ALSO READ: Tots Carlos grateful for extended recovery as she returns for Creamline vs Capital1: 'Hindi kami minamadali']
The three-time PVL MVP sat out the 2024 Reinforced and Invitational Conference due to a knee injury. She returned to the taraflex in November and has since been working her way back into form.
[ALSO READ: Returning Tots Carlos not rushing to get back to MVP form for Creamline]
As Creamline prepares for another showdown with the Brooke Van Sickle-led Petro Gazz, Carlos emphasized the mental toughness required for the series.
“‘'Yung Finals rivalry naman, hindi naging sure talaga hangga't 'di natapos ‘yung games,” said Carlos. “For Brooke, I think every game naman, palagi 'yan maglalaro at maglalaro siya. Kung gagawin namin ‘yung trabaho namin, I think mapipigilan naman din namin siya.”
“It’s just that mental game din talaga eh. Kapag naisahan ka rin, kailangan mo din talaga mag-rest, bumalik sa trabaho muna. So, I think ‘yung Finals nga sabi dalawang veteran teams so I think ‘yung mental toughness din talaga ‘yung magiging basehan,” she added.
[ALSO READ: Petro Gazz, Creamline renew rivalry in championship series for PVL All-Filipino crown]
With a full-strength squad, the Cool Smashers are looking to complete the five-peat and further cement themselves in the record books.
The best-of-three Finals against Petro Gazz begins on Tuesday, April 8 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.