TOTS Carlos’ name once quietly drifted into the background of Creamline’s star-studded roster.
But the 27-year-old winger hardly needs an introduction. Carlos shares the PVL record for most conference MVP awards with Alyssa Valdez at three.
Injuries, however, kept that pedigree from fully shining over the last two years.
READ: Defense, the name of the game for spiker-loaded Creamline side
Carlos endured two separate six-month layoffs while dealing with recurring knee issues.
Each time she returned, she often found herself struggling to regain full rhythm before another setback forced her back to recovery.
Last year was simply about getting back on the taraflex consistently. This season, however, the mission has changed.
With Creamline eager to reclaim its championship form after a title-less 2025, Carlos is determined to rediscover her MVP-caliber play as well.
The difference now is her approach as she is no longer rushing the process of rediscovering her mojo as in years past.
“Mas gumaan na [‘yung pakiramdam] ngayon,” said Carlos.
“Thankful ako kina coach na binigyan nila ako ng time na makabalik, at wala na silang magawa,” she added with a laugh.
“Binigyan ako ng time na maka-recover at alam naman nila ‘yun na kung okay na ako, babalik naman [‘yung laro ko]. Masaya lang din na meron akong ganung klaseng support.”
The early returns have been promising as Carlos has scored in double figures in all six of Creamline’s games this conference, averaging 14 points per outing, solid numbers for a player still rediscovering her peak form.
And in their 25-16, 22-25, 25-21, 15-25, 15-10 victory over Nxled on Saturday, Carlos held fort with 16 points and 13 digs.
Still, she believes there is another level she can reach.
The key, according to Carlos, is managing the thrill and euphoria of being back on the court after a long time away.
“More of excitement talaga kasi nga, ako rin personally, meron akong sariling goal and sariling iniisip heading into the game,” she said.
“Natuwa ako na nae-experience ulit namin ‘yung ganitong laro, ganitong scenarios.”
But as Creamline’s coaches often remind them, too much eagerness can sometimes work against them.
“Sinasabi lagi nila coach na kapag nasobrahan na kami sa gigil, hindi siya makakatulong sa’min kaya control lang talaga.”
For Carlos, the comeback is no longer about rushing back to the spotlight. It is about staying there.
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