DASMARIÑAS, CAVITE — After a six-month hiatus, Tots Carlos is finally back with Creamline.
Carlos, who was sidelined by a knee injury earlier this year, made her highly anticipated return to the Cool Smashers on Saturday night.
Her comeback, however, came in a five-set heartbreaker. Defending champion Creamline fell to Akari, 25-23, 23-25, 28-30, 25-23, 12-15, in the opening match of their title defense in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Dasmariñas Arena.
“Well, it was a bit complicated kasi yung injury ko. So, we had to figure out talaga kung ano yung nagwo-work sa’kin,” Carlos told reporters after the loss.
“So, yun lang, sabi ko nga sa interview kanina, it took me a lot of patience and discipline to get back.”
(C) PVL Images
Despite the defeat, Carlos, a three-time PVL Most Valuable Player, was one of the bright spots for Creamline. She finished with 12 points in her first game back since Game 3 of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
The former University of the Philippines standout admitted the past few months had been frustrating, but said the recovery process taught her valuable lessons that she now embraces.
“Mindset also kasi, you know, when you have injuries, it’s frustrating, so you really have to be patient. I learned a lot from everything that happened with my injury,” she said.
“So, that’s one thing to look at the other side naman. So, I’m happy naman na rin nakabalik ako.”
Carlos now aims to regain her old, deadly form as she helps the Cool Smashers in their bid to defend the Reinforced Conference crown.
