Creamline Cool Smashers during a PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals game against Choco Mucho Flying Titans. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Missing Tots Carlos was not an excuse for Creamline’s tough five-set meltdown to Choco Mucho, with team captain Alyssa Valdez saying they prepared for the situation before the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinal round.
Without the three-time MVP, the Cool Smashers still started strong by winning the first two sets convincingly but blew their momentum and absorbed a 13-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 18-16 loss to Choco Mucho on Tuesday evening in front of 6,407 fans at Philsports Arena.
SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals 2024
Carlos was expected to miss the game for the tryouts for the South Korea for the 2024 Korean Volleyball (KOVO) Women’s Asian Quota Draft.
Valdez, who delivered 21 points and nine digs, offered no excuse for losing to Choco Mucho for the first time after 13 meetings since their sister team joined the league five years ago.
“We always train as a team. And it’s always part of training that coach Sherwin [Meneses] rotate all the players. We miss Tots definitely but we run in a system. So when we’re missing a player sometimes, coach Sherwin makes sure that we will move in a certain way, under his system,” said the three-time PVL MVP in Filipino.
“We really played our hearts out today. Unfortunately, we lost.”
READ: PVL: Choco Mucho beats Creamline for first time to kickstart semis bid
Carlos’ arrival for the next game in the semifinals remains uncertain. The Cool Smashers battle the Petro Gazz Angels on on Thursday
Valdez said that team supports Carlos’ goal to play overseas. The Creamline star and Chery Tiggo spiker Mylene Paat will be in South Korea until Wednesday.
“We’re praying for Tots. May it be she catches up with the team team, may it be part of one of the teams there in Korea, we’re just really happy for her that she has this opportunity,” she said. “We’re gonna accept the situation and give our hundred percent. And hopefully, we give a good fight against Petro Gazz.”
Needing to win their remaining games including Chery Tiggo on Sunday, Valdez and the Cool Smashers embrace the challenge to keep their title hopes alive.
“We’ve always mentioned that pressure is such a privilege at this point in this league. It’s a good feeling to feel pressure, and now we need to figure out how to translate that into being composed and being able to run plays and perform well,” Valdez said.
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“It’s such a privilege to be part of this Final Four because we can see, even this game is super close so we’re enjoying this. I think that’s one thing we like this conference. We’re trying hard not to overthink.”