Creamline Cool Smashers’ Tots Carlos plays her first game in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines —Finally making a comeback after four months,  Tots Carlos continues to trust the process as she tries to make her full recovery amid the ongoing  2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

After missing Creamline’s grand slam, Carlos came off the bench midway first set in front of 7,281 fans at Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur and helped her team keep erstwhile-unbeaten Akari at bay for a 26-24, 25-17, 25-16 win on Saturday.

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The three-time league MVP scored four points in her return from a knee injury, which sidelined her in the Reinforced and Invitational Conferences and even a chance to play for Alas Pilipinas.

READ: PVL: Creamline turns back Akari in Tots Carlos’ return

“Honestly, I don’t really expect anything. My priority has always been to enjoy the game,” said Carlos. “I’m grateful to the coaches for giving me a chance to play today.”

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“I’m also thankful to them for guiding and taking care of us players with injuries. They don’t pressure us, which makes us happy to have this kind of system. It motivates us to recover at our own pace and not rush back from injuries.”

Alyssa Valdez, who returned in their first game, also missed the same amount of games as Carlos. The Creamline coaching staff is also managing he loads for the six-month season.

READ: PVL: Alyssa Valdez sparks Creamline sweep of Petro Gazz

The Cool Smashers produced two more MVPs during the absence of Valdez and Carlos in Bernadeth Pons and Michele Gumabao, the best players of the past two conferences.

For the former UP Fighting Maroon, she will continue to follow the timeline of coach Sherwin Meneses and his staff for her full recovery. 

But she promises to stay ready for Creamline once her number gets called.

“Of course, I wanted to be back as soon as I can,” said Carlos. “What’s great is that the coaches don’t rush us. The pressure comes more from ourselves. With a long season ahead, we need to rotate players to avoid wearing anyone out. We’re doing our best to recover quickly and contribute to the team.”

Carlos is just thankful that she was finally able to play again with the bonus of seeing action in front of a loud Ilocano crowd.

“Honestly, PVL fans make us feel grateful,” said Carlos. “Every time we go on tour, the tickets are always sold out, and the arena is packed. It’s heartwarming to see such a huge crowd supporting the PVL. We’re also happy because they appreciate what we bring to the game.”