She had to wait a few more months than her teammates, but Tots Carlos finally got a shot at a title.
In the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons’ championship run in the PVL Collegiate Conference, Carlos was relegated to the sidelines due to a left shin stress fracture.
The 20-year-old made sure that she would not end up the cheerleader anew in the PSL Collegiate Grand Slam. UP’s leader was undeterred, even when she suffered an ankle injury that forced her out of two matches.
The Pampanga-native played brilliantly in the CGS Finals, topping the Lady Maroons with 17 points on an efficient 15-for-38 spiking clip.
Although she was not a part of UP’s historic first championship in decades, Carlos still relishes her moment.
“Pero ayun nga, we have to accept the fact na hindi ko pa ‘yun time. So, kailangan ko magpagaling and I have to cheer for my teammates. Now ngayon naman ang turn namin,” said Carlos, who was one of UP’s seniors in the PSL, as batchmate Isa Molde and graduating opposite hitter Marian Buitre sat out the tournament to rest.
“Kung ano lang yung na-achieve ng team, kung ano yung dapat i-expect nila sa akin, pinipilit kong ibigay.”
Championships are great, but the UAAP remains UP’s biggest target. With Season 81 less than two months away, Carlos insists she and the Lady Maroons have a long way to go to becoming contenders.
“Siyempre happy ako pero meron pang UAAP eh. Kaya sabi nga ni coach, more pressure itong dalawang championship na ito. Kailangan pa namin mag-trabaho talaga for UAAP.”
