UP skipper Tots Carlos finally returned to the court after six months of recovering from a stress fracture in her shin.
Carlos powered the Lady Fighting Maroons to a four-set victory over the UE Red Warriors, 22-25, 25-16, 25-22, 31-29, in the PSL's inaugural Collegiate Grand Slam Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Despite finishing with 17 points (11 spikes, five blocks, one ace) and 14 digs, the veteran spiker shared that she was not satisfied with her performance in her first game back with the team.
"I'm taking it slowly because this game is still part of my recovery," she said. "But coming from my injury and based on how I played today, I'm really not satisfied."
Carlos, who just resumed training a month ago, missed out on other pre-season tournaments including the Lady Fighting Maroons' title run in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL). That's why she relishes this opportunity of playing in the PSL's collegiate competition as preparation for the UAAP volleyball season that begins early next year.
"This is very important because at least I get to experience playing in a big league after my injury," she said.
UP coach Godfrey Okumu is not in a hurry to see his team captain back in her old form. He knows that Carlos just needs more time to regain her strength and reintegrate herself into the team.
"I'm not expecting anything for now. I can only say welcome back," he said. "Everything takes time. She played well and she gave her best, whatever she says. But I still believe she can do more."
"She's just coming back into the game after six months or so," Okumu continued. "We expect everything will take time, but so far, so good. I believe her defense, passing, everything was up to where she has trained. She needs to just work some more."
Carlos admitted that she expected too much from herself. Moving forward, she vows to take her time, trust the process, and just give her all every game.
"Maybe I'm just really expecting a lot from myself, but our coaches reminded me that I shouldn't rush it," she said. "We still have time. I just want to play my best, and of course, it's everybody's goal to win the championship."