Dongallo hopes for a stronger EU next season

Casiey Dongallo has always been vocal about bringing change to the University of the East (UE) and with her stint as a rookie on the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Lady Warriors in the 86th season of the women's volleyball tournament, she wants to continue what they had started .

“I’m happy with the way we finished the season,” Dongallo said shortly after leading the UE season-ending match against the University of the Philippines (UP). “I dreamed of playing in the UAAP and now I'm here. My rookie season is over.”

The Lady Warriors avenged their first-round loss to the Fighting Maroons with a 23-25, 25-17, 27-25, 25-22 victory that ended a five-game second-round losing skid on Saturday behind 28 points. won by Dongallo through 25 attacks, two blocks and an ace.

Dongallo, rookie captain Kizzie Madriaga, injured slugger Jelai Gajero, Claire Castillo and Grace Fernandez played at UE after a successful stay at California Academy. And it wasn't an easy decision for the five highlights.

UE had been the league's perennial doormat and with the arrival of the recruits, there was a lot of expectation for the Lady Warriors.

“I had already said that going to UE was a challenge because looking at the situation of schools before coming to university, UE was seventh or eighth,” said Dongallo as he broke the rookie score record after achieving 291 points to surpass Santo Tomas newcomer Angge Poyos' Mark University of 268 as of press time.

The Golden Tigresses will close out the preliminary round with a match against La Salle on the night that will decide who gains the last two-time lead available in second place. The top domestic and idle universities have already secured protection and will only need to win once against the 4th Far Eastern University.

“We had a goal that we couldn’t accomplish, but we’re still here,” Dongallo said.

“It was a challenge for me to go to a school with that position, so we are happy to change that and look forward to our improvements,” she added after helping her team finish with a 3-11 (win-loss) card, tied with Adamson, in 6th place – it is the best result since 2019.

'Set a tone'

But Dongallo is not satisfied with what she and the Lady Warriors have achieved and intend to improve in the coming seasons.

Gajero, who also showcased his offensive arsenal in his high school days and preseason before suffering a knee injury, is expected to return to UE next season along with some new recruits. Suspended coach Jerry Yee is also back.

“This season we set a tone for next season and we are excited for Jelai’s return,” said Dongallo. “Whatever happened this season, we will change that next season and we will do more. We are looking forward to a different position.”

“Despite the disappointing losses, we still did some good and there is a great achievement. So, let’s take this as a stepping stone to take us into the upcoming pre-season and UAAP season 87,” said interim coach Obet Vital.

“We hope to continue the effort and work towards even greater success,” he added.