Tots Carlos emphasizes value of journey in Creamline's pursuit

The Creamline Cool Smashers have long been synonymous with dominance.

But as the dust settles on the courts of the ongoing 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, it's clear that the era of effortless triumphs is over.

No longer can Creamline simply stride unchallenged to the crown. The competition has evolved, closing the gap, if not surpassing the once untouchable Cool Smashers.

This season's journey for Creamline has been a testament to their resilience in the face of adversity. With three losses in the elimination rounds to Chery Tiggo, Petro Gazz, and PLDT, they entered the semifinals as the fourth seed, a position unfamiliar since their 2018 Open Conference campaign.

Even in the round-robin semifinals, Creamline stumbled out of the gate, succumbing to sister team Choco Mucho in a grueling five-set battle. Yet, true to their championship pedigree, they clawed their way back.

Fresh off a commanding victory over Petro Gazz, the reigning champions dispatched Chery Tiggo in straight sets, booking their ticket to the finals. Their path to the summit has been rife with challenges, but it's these very obstacles that fuel their determination.

“Parang din don kasi pumupunta yung mindset namin araw-araw na champion mindset. Sabi ni coach (Sherwin Meneses), hindi namin kontrolado lahat ng sitwasyon kaya hindi ‘yan magiging perfect o hindi ‘yan laging pabor sa amin,” said Tots Carlos, who finished with a game-high 16 points against the Crossovers.

“Kung may mga pagkakataong hindi pabor sa amin ang sitwasyon, ang magagawa lang naman namin ay labanan ang sitwasyon. Nakakatuwa kapag nananalo kami pero ‘pag hindi kami nananalo, alam namin kung saan kami nagkukulang. Alam namin na ang bawat isa sa amin ay babawi,” she added.

As a three-time PVL MVP, Carlos acknowledges the uphill battle ahead. But for the Cool Smashers, adversity is not a deterrent; it's a catalyst for greatness.

“Sa totoo lang, para sa akin, naging maganda ang season namin dahil kahit na natalo kami, narito pa rin kami sa championship kaya masaya kami sa mga nangyari. 'Yung proseso na lagi naming sinasabi, 'yun ang pinakamahalaga, at ang championship ang premyo namin.”

For Creamline, the pursuit of excellence transcends victories and defeats. It's about embracing the grind, cherishing the process, and emerging stronger with each trial.

As they brace for the finals, one thing is certain: the Cool Smashers are not just chasing another title; they're seizing their legacy, one game at a time.