ILOCOS NORTE -- Jeanette Panaga is headed to her third straight Premier Volleyball League Finals with her new team, Creamline.
It was a bittersweet moment for Panaga after haunting her former team Petro Gazz in their best-of-three semifinals series in the Open Conference.
Panaga nailed four blocks for 10 points to help the Cool Smashers in eliminating Angels, 27-25, 25-22, 25-16, on Monday at the PCV Socio-Civic and Cultural Center here in Bacarra
"Happy ako na nakatapat namin sila," said Panaga. "Marami akong natutunan bago ako umalis sa kanila then ito, mas eager ako, excited akong kalaban sila kasi former teammates, former team ko sila."
The 26-year-old middle blocker is grateful that all their hard work and sacrifices paid off after Creamline reached its fifth straight PVL Finals.
"I'm so happy kasi lahat ng pinaghirapan namin during our bubble training nailabas namin and excited na kami sa finals," she said.
Panaga, who suffered a right ankle sprain early in the elimination, said she's feeling better now heading to the last stretch of the PVL bubble.
"Gagawin lang namin kung ano yung sinasabi ng mga coaches, susunod lang kaminsa sistema and yun nga yung mantra namin, 'Happy-happy! Heartstrong!" (AL)
