Carlos recalls form, Creamline smothers Army

MANILA, Philippines — Slowed down by hamstring issues, Tots Carlos has been an afterthought in the Most Valuable Player race in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

Yesterday, Carlos made everyone remember she’s a two-time MVP from a season ago.

The 2022 Open and Invitational Conference best player spearheaded the carnage in Creamline’s 25-15, 25-20, 25-12 rout of Army Black Mamba to reclaim the solo lead at the PhilSports Arena.

Carlos appeared to have been in the pink of health on this one as she unleashed a masterful 17-point performance in just three quick sets in helping propel the Cool Smashers back to the top with a 5-1 record.

“I feel great, at least I got the chance to rest a bit,” said Carlos, who was so bothered by her injury this conference that she’s stranded at No. 10 in the top scorers list.

Carlos’ herculean effort came just in time when Jema Galanza was out in the last minute.

“Wala naman siya injury, masama lang talaga pakiramdamdam niya,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses on Galanza. “Hindi namin alam na hindi siya makakalaro ngayon kasi preparation namin nasa starting six siya.”

Creamline’s fearless bench mob of Rosemarie Vargas, Risa Sato, Rizza Jane Mandapat and Pau Soriano helped fill the gap, and drew nothing but praises from Meneses.

“Happy kami maganda nilaro nila,” said Meneses. “Lahat naman yan ready kasi training ng first six same lang with stringers so alam na nila gagawin nila if given the opportunity to play.”