ILOCOS NORTE--Mind over body.
This was the mindset of former best middle blocker Jeanette Panaga when she decided to suit up for Creamline against sister team Choco Mucho in a crucial Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Open Conference elimination round game Wednesday at the PCV Socio-Civic & Cultural Center here in Bacarra despite a swollen right ankle.
"Meron pang konti, pero mind over body," said Panaga when asked if she's still feeling pain from the right ankle sprain she sustained late in her team's 20-25, 25-15, 25-27, 25-19, 15-13 win over Black Mamba Army on July 22.
The Cool Smashers eventually rallied to beat the Flying Titans with a come-from-behind 18-25, 25-9, 21-25, 25-18, 15-6 win in a game where Panaga contributed 13 points including six blocks.
The NCAA Season 91 champion and Finals MVP from College of St. Benilde thanked the team's medical staff for helping her get through despite the discomfort she's feeling on her tweaked ankle.
"May maga pa so ininuman ko lang ng gamot. Thankful ako sa PT (physical therapist) at sa coaches dahil sa kanila mas mabilis recovery ko," she said.
The injury caused Panaga to miss four games including a stinging 18-25, 23-25, 25-23, 20-25 loss to Chery Tiggo last week.
That defeat was enough for Panaga to finally decide to return despite her injury and all.
"Sobra na-miss ko maglaro kasi in the past weeks nagpahinga ako, gusto ko talaga mag laro last few games, gusto ko bumawi, gusto ko mag-contribute sa team para maganda galaw," she said. (VJ)
