BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE — Facing the squad that molded her to be the spiker that she is now, Jeanette Panaga made sure to show Petro Gazz her vastly improved wares.
Now on the pink side of the Petro Gazz-Creamline rivalry, the 6-foot middle blocker played an instrumental role in the Cool Smashers’ Game Two win against the Angels to clinch the first seat in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference Finals.
The College of St. Benilde stalwart provided 10 points — which included four huge blocks — in the 27-25, 25-22, 25-16 victory over her former squad.
“Okay naman, happy ako na nakatapat namin sila,” expressed Panaga on Monday evening.
“Marami akong natutunan bago ako umalis sa kanila then ito, mas eager ako. Excited akong kalaban sila kasi former teammates, former team ko sila.”
Of course, it was a bittersweet victory for the 26-year-old native of Limay, Bataan.
After the fabled Pocari Sweat team disbanded in 2018, Panaga was picked up by Petro Gazz.
In her sole year with the Angels, Panaga helped the team to the 2019 Reinforced Conference title while winning the Second Best Middle Blocker plum in the Open.
Petro Gazz let Panaga go in free agency during the off-season that led to them acquiring the likes of Ria Meneses and Jerrili Malabanan.
There was no bitterness for Panaga however. After all, this is still a business.
“I’m so happy kasi lahat ng pinaghirapan namin during our bubble training nailabas namin and excited na kami sa finals,” she said.
Now two games away from winning the first-ever professional volleyball title, Panaga promises to do everything that she can for Creamline.
“Gagawin lang namin kung ano yung sinasabi ng mga coaches, susunod lang kami sa sistema and yun nga yung mantra namin, ‘Happy-happy! Heart strong!'”
