Carlos, Valdez Return as Creamline Eyes 11th PVL Crown

Games on Tuesday
4 p.m. – Akari vs. Choco Mucho
6:30 p.m. – Creamline vs. Petro Gazz

Creamline’s bid for another Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference championship gets a major boost with the return of key players Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez, who both missed the team’s Grand Slam title run last year.

“Honestly, it’s been a while since I last played in the Finals, so it feels great to be back,” said Carlos in Filipino, who sat out much of the 2024 season due to a knee injury.

The Cool Smashers clinched a historic championship in her absence.

“I just want to express my gratitude to the team, management and coaches for supporting me throughout my injury journey,” she added.

“I’m very grateful for their trust, and I’m excited to play again because opportunities like this don’t come often.”

Carlos credited the team’s daily commitment for securing their record-extending 14th Finals appearance in the league organized by Sports Vision.

“Those who work hard get to experience moments like this,” she said.

“The effort we put in every day – especially those of us who’ve battled injuries – is now translating into our games.”

“I’m beyond excited and thankful for everyone who supported me.”

Valdez, who underwent a longer recovery from a knee injury, echoed Carlos’ excitement in returning to the Finals.

“I’m very proud,” said Valdez in Filipino.

“This is my first time back in the Finals in a while.”

Her leadership has helped steer Creamline to yet another championship appearance.

She reflected on the team’s journey and the challenges they overcame.

“Every conference, we write a different story of how we make it to the Finals,” she said.

“This one is another chapter, and we’re eager to finish it strong.”

“We’ve faced struggles behind the scenes, but we’ve stuck together, and that’s what we’re counting on to get us through this series.”

With Carlos and Valdez healthy, Creamline remains confident despite Jema Galanza’s recent health setback.

Their deep roster – led by Bernadeth Pons, Bea de Leon, Kyle Negrito, Michele Gumabao, Lorie Bernardo and Rose Vargas – ensures the Cool Smashers stay formidable against the Petro Gazz Angels.

Still, both veterans are cautious about the challenge posed by Petro Gazz.

They pointed to Fil-American standout Brooke Van Sickle, along with Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips, as key threats.

“It’s always a classic battle whenever we face Petro Gazz in the Finals,” said Valdez.

“We know it’s going to be tough, so we need to work even harder.”

“One key thing is listening to our coaches because they see the game from a different perspective.”

“Communication will be crucial, especially in tight moments.”

Carlos emphasized the importance of discipline and execution under head coach Sherwin Meneses.

“For coach Sherwin’s system to work, teamwork is essential,” she said.

“We don’t have to take every ball – we just need to play our roles effectively.”

“The last time we faced Petro Gazz, we struggled with ball control, so now, our mindset is to cover our areas and play disciplined volleyball.”

Valdez believes heart and resilience will determine the outcome.

“Both teams have taken different paths to get here,” she said.

“The team that plays with more heart will have the edge.”

“But one thing’s for sure – Creamline will give everything we have.”

She also expressed excitement about going head-to-head with Pablo in the Finals.

“She’s in peak form and playing with fire,” Valdez said.

“Facing someone with that kind of passion and conditioning is always a challenge.”

“We’ll have to work even harder to match that intensity.”

Carlos noted that containing Van Sickle will be a major factor.

“The Finals are never decided until the last point is played,” she said.

“Brooke will always be a major threat, but if we stay disciplined and execute our game plan, we can contain her.”

“Mental toughness will be just as important as skill in this series.”

Regardless of the result, Valdez said the league is the ultimate winner.

“It’s proof that the PVL has grown tremendously and continues to develop great teams and players,” she said.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re a new or veteran team – if you have the heart and determination, you’ll find yourself in the Finals.”

Creamline and Petro Gazz are set for another classic championship clash starting Tuesday in Game 1 of the best-of-three series at Araneta Coliseum.