Tots Carlos was the leader of the Philippine Women’s National Volleyball Team’s strong challenge against Japan on Sunday evening.
Despite the four-set defeat, the Philippines fought hard especially in the last two sets, 14-25, 9-25, 23-25, 19-25, in the last leg of the PNVF International Challenge at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
At the forefront of the Pinays was Carlos, dropping a team-high 14 points on 12 attacks and two blocks to go with 14 digs.
And for that performance, she might’ve left head coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito’s jaw-dropped.
“She’s a special girl. It’s good to talk about her,” said the national team head tactician.
Carlos was a natural opposite spiker but in the country’s match against Thailand last Saturday and against Japan today, the 5-foot-9 Creamline Cool Smasher was an open hitter.
But as special as she is, Souza de Brito heard no complaints in the sudden shift of position.
With the dazzling display of Carlos, the Brazilian coach wanted to apologize to the Philippine volleyball fans because it is just now that the University of the Philippines alumna cracked the national team lineup.
“Sorry because she joined the national team a little later not because she doesn’t play good but because last time in July, the opposite [Michele] Gumabao was playing so she fights for the place and she takes the place in Creamline.”
But for Carlos, she’s just doing it all for the country, be it moving to another position or whatever adjustment she has to make.
After all, the reigning Premier Volleyball League MVP wants to make her first national team stint a memorable one.
“I’m grateful na they appreciate me,” said Carlos.
“I just really enjoy the game. I’m happy na nakacontribute ako sa team.”
