Tots Carlos made a triumphant return from injury despite the Creamline Cool Smashers' five-set defeat to the Akari Chargers in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
DASMARIÑAS—After months of recovery and uncertainty, Tots Carlos finally made her return to the PVL court.
And while the result wasn’t what the Creamline Cool Smashers hoped for, the three-time Conference MVP is just grateful to be back and doing what she loves.
Carlos delivered 12 points in her first game since the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference Finals, suiting up once again as the Cool Smashers fell short against the Akari Chargers in a five-set thriller in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference on Saturday, October 11.
Patience pays off
Carlos admitted that the road to recovery was far from smooth.
The nature of her knee injury forced her to go through multiple adjustments, both physically and mentally, before finally being cleared to return.
“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 shared to reporters after the match.
“It took me a lot of patience to learn how to do that. Mindset also kasi, you know, when you have injuries, you’re restrained. So, yun lang, I learned a lot with everything that happened with my injury.”
[ALSO READ: Sherwin Meneses explains absence of Tots Carlos, Bea de Leon in AVC Women’s Champions League]
Despite the long journey back, the 27-year-old opposite hitter is choosing to look at the positives.
“That’s the one thing to look at the other side naman. So, I'm happy naman na nakabalik ako.”
Staying positive despite tough loss
While the Cool Smashers’ conference debut didn’t go as planned, Carlos said the team remains optimistic and motivated to bounce back quickly.
“Positive naman ‘yung team after the game kasi it wasn’t a really easy game. Nakita naman, nag-effort. Tough loss talaga,” she said.
“But just like other games, after matapos ‘yung isang game, focus naman sa next. We only have a limited time to be ready. And the coaches also gave feedback sa amin.”
Tots Carlos battles at the net during Creamline's five-set defeat to Akari in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. | Photo: PVL
Carlos believes that the team’s next step is learning how to adapt more effectively to opponents’ strategies, especially against other title-contending teams.
“Honestly, I appreciate the team for working hard tonight. Hindi madali ‘yung game kasi maganda rin talaga ‘yung laro ng Akari,” she added.
“We just really have to react sa kung anong ginagawa ng kabilang team. Yun lang, may mga crucial errors kami.”
[ALSO READ: Alyssa Valdez, Michele Gumabao confident in Creamline preps for PVL Reinforced Conference]
With Carlos now healthy and back in the rotation, Creamline will aim to regroup and get its first win in the conference against the Petro Gazz Angels on Tuesday, October 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.