University of the Philippines fresh graduate Carlos provided several crucial hits when top hitter Alyssa Valdez struggled to penetrate the Angel’s tough net defense and open hitter Jema Galanza endured a hurting knee. 

Carlos was subbed in for Jema Galanza in the last two sets and came up big for the squad in beating Petro Gazz in a tight four-set clash.

“Ako naman lagi naman akong ready like what the coaches and my teammates remind me, ready ako palagi,” Carlos said.

After shaking off some early-game jitters, Carlos immediately went through with clutch hits in the third set, including the kill that wrapped up their win.

Valdez commended the work done by Carlos and for keeping herself always ready to deliver for the team whenever her number is called.

“Sabi nga ni coach Sherwin (Meneses), si Tots naman always ready when we train naman alam niya yung role niya and as early as now alam niyang dapat lagi din siyang handa,” Valdez said. 

“I think it’s very professional of her naman din na ganun yung mentality niya. That’s why pag pinapasok siya gagawa talaga siya para sa team, hindi lang para sa sarili,” she continued.

Carlos made crucial plays in the fourth set that made Creamline close the gap from 11-4. A block by Jeanette Panaga on Grethcel Soltones gave Creamline the lead, 17-16, and Carlos penetrated Petro Gazz blockers in the next rally that logged 18-16. 

Mean Mendres kept the Angels alive but Carlos pulled a back-row hit for a 22-19 advantage, then eventually scored a hit off the Petro Gazz blockers that gave the Cool Smashers the match point. 

The game ended when Petro Gazz setter Ivy Perez committed a double contact violation. 

Carlos finished with seven points in just two sets of action while Morado was named as the match’s best player as she ended with 35 excellent sets with three points even as Valdez still finished with a triple-double of 16 points, 21 digs, and 18 receptions. 

Ces Molina top-scored the Angels with 18 points while Remy Plama and Ria Meneses ended with 17 and 16 points, respectively. Myla Pablo and Cebuana spiker Grethcel Soltones struggled with only six points apiece.