Tots Carlos showcased her exceptional talent when it mattered most, churning out a new career-high 38 points and propelling Creamline to a gripping 26-28, 22-25, 25-22, 25-21, 16-14 victory over Cignal in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig Tuesday night.
Despite facing a daunting 0-2 set deficit and staring at defeat at 11-14 in the fifth set, the Cool Smashers rallied behind Carlos’ brilliance to snatch the victory and wrest the solo lead at 6-1.
With the match hanging in the balance, Carlos exhibited nerves of steel, saving three crucial match points with a series of decisive plays, including a push, an off-the-block hit, and a drop shot. Her heroics not only kept Creamline in contention but also shifted the momentum in their favor.
Reflecting on the team’s remarkable comeback, Carlos emphasized their focus on the present moment, putting aside the disappointment of the first two sets and channeling their energy into turning the tide.
Her staggering performance, highlighted by 35 kills and three kill blocks, underscored her determination to lead her team to victory.
“I’m so happy kasi hindi sumuko ang team. We really did our best to bounce back,” said Carlos.
In the face of Cignal’s formidable challenge, Carlos acknowledged the need for further improvement, recognizing the HD Spikers’ strong performance while stressing the need to elevate their own game.
“Madami pang kailangan na pag-aralan. Cignal played well at kailangan pa naming itaas ang level ng laro naming,” said the league’s many-time MVP.
It was a sorry setback for the HD Spikers, who regained their rhythm and confidence from two set losses with a strong start in the fifth. They led, 5-2, and though they wavered that enabled the Cool Smashers to force three deadlocks, the last at 10, they took control on a three-point binge, capped by Chay Troncoso’s back-to-back aces.
After Jema Galanza defied Cignal’s triple-block, Molina countered with a hit to make it a 14-11 lead for the HD Spikers.
But Carlos had other things in mind.
Despite the intense pressure, she remained composed, crediting her coach’s calming influence and the team’s collective effort. She also noted that individual achievements, such as her record-setting points haul, are ultimately a testament to the team’s success.
“Siguro more on, ako personally syempre ayaw naming matalo so wala namang special or anything sa mga ginawa namin. It’s just that we really played our hearts out and yun, nakakatuwa kasi sila coach (Sherwin Meneses) kahit na two sets behind kami wala silang ever sinabi na makaka-pressure sa amin,” said Carlos, who bettered her previous best of 31 points posted against Akari last Feb. 29.
“Actually, siya pa nga yung kumakalma samin na ‘maglaro lang kayo, mag-enjoy lang kayo.’ Yun lagi yung sinasabi ko na… yung 38 points ‘di naman ‘yun personal points eh, team points yun so kahit ilang points pa yung makuha namin individually very happy kami kasi it’s really for the team, lagi namang nauuna yung team,” she added.
