By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Tots Carlos put up a performance for the ages after setting a new career-high in points during the ongoing 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.
The former three-time PVL Most Valuable Player (MVP) steered the Creamline Cool Smashers to a close four-set victory over the Akari Chargers, 25-22, 21-25, 25-22, 25-18, and flirted with a dominant 31-point performance on February 29, 2024, at the Philsports Arena.
Carlos was all over the floor scoring in bunches for the Cool Smashers and capped off her 31 points derived from 30 successful attacks and one service ace.
The flamboyant spiker already got off to a hot start after pummeling her way to several easy points to help the Cool Smashers take an early 1-0 advantage.
Despite Akari regaining its hitting rhythm in the second set to equalize things at 1-all, Carlos would again step up to the challenge in the two remaining sets to officially shut the door on Akari.
It was in the crucial third set that Carlos took full control of the game after spearheading Creamline’s 6-1 scoring run to balloon their advantage to 19-11.
Carlos picked up where she left off from that resounding first set and was automatic from close range after completing every setup made by setter Kyle Negrito.
The Chargers gave their all in the fourth and final set as they doubled their effort in the middle blocking department but Carlos staged another late scoring surge to dispose Akari.
“Natutuwa ako kasi napakaganda ng laro and sakto lang talaga na yung situation ganun so masaya lang ako na pinagse-serbisyuhan si Coach Sherwin. Pero ayun po, lagi naman kaming ready,” said Carlos after their win.
Negrito, who now embraced the role as Creamline’s premier setter due to the departure of Jia Morado-De Guzman, orchestrated the Cool Smashers offense to perfection after wrapping up the win with 18 excellent sets.
Jema Galanza continued her fiery streak after becoming Creamline’s second-best scorer in the game, putting up 15 markers alongside 14 excellent receptions.
The Cool Smashers will look to extend its undefeated PVL streak next week as they take on the Galeries Tower Highrisers.