With Alyssa Valdez injured, Tots Carlos, a natural opposite hitter, rose to the challenge and filled one of the outside spiker positions for Creamline in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Embracing her role, Carlos thrived and earned her third Most Valuable Player award in almost two years.
What’s more, the 24-year-old native of Pampanga was named one of the Best Outside Spikers of the tournament. Her exceptional performance powered the Cool Smashers’ comeback against Petro Gazz in the finals, ultimately helping them secure their second consecutive All-Filipino crown.
The 24-year-old spiker credits head coach Sherwin Meneses’ trust in her as a key factor in her success. After playing backup to import Yeliz Basa in the Reinforced Conference, Carlos says that Meneses’ belief in her ability to play the outside spiker position played a crucial role in her bounceback conference.
“Actually, ‘di talaga ako makapaniwala kaya sobrang speechless ko kanina,” Carlos said after Creamline’s 20-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-15 win over the Angels in Game Three of the PVL finals.
“Wala, I think sobrang yung tiwala lang nina coach na ilipat ako ng pwesto, sobrang laking bagay nun for me, kasi malaking factor yung na alam ni coach na kaya kong gawin yung pwesto at yung laro.”
Carlos also recognized the contributions of her teammates, noting that without their help, she could not have achieved the success she did.
“Yung MVP, gaya ng sinasabi ko parati, ‘di naman kami focused doon sa individual awards.
“Team goal kami parati. Sobrang grateful ko lang talaga na yung suporta ng teammates ko hindi nawala. Kasi kundi dahil sa mga tao sa paligid ko, hindi ko makukuha yung award,” said Carlos, a three-time Best Opposite Spiker awardee.
