By NIKOLE JAVIER
Rookie Casiey Dongallo made heads turn with a 27-point explosion as University of the East stunned Ateneo, 20-25, 25-18, 25-23, 25-18, at the start of the UAAP women’s volleyball hostilities on Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The 18-year-old Cebuana spiker pumped in 26 points on attacks while firing one ace for the Lady Warriors, whose victory finally snapped a 21-game losing streak against the Blue Eagles dating back December 2010.
Riza Nogales also stepped up for UE with 13 points highlighted by four blocks, while Kayce Balingit contributed 12 points as the victory also spoiled the coaching debut of Sergio Veloso for Ateneo.
From finishing dead-last in last season with a lone win against 13 losses, the Lady Warriors proved they are out of to be a feisty contender this year after also just winning six games in the last six years.
“In terms of the 14-year drought, I’m excited. The reason why we came to UE is to make history and this is part of it. It’s gonna be a process, it’s gonna take a while,” said assistant coach Dr. Obet Vital.
“We’re making progress, that’s what we are looking for. It’s a new system that we brought into UE, we’re working really hard. We’re happy with the win but we have a lot of work ahead of us.”
Locked at 13-all in the fourth set, the Lady Warriors went on a quick 4-0 run before Dongallo poured four consecutive points including the clincher that sealed the victory.
Meanwhile, Lyann De Guzman was the lone bright spot for the Blue Eagles with 16 points as the rest of her teammates were limited to a single-digit production.
Earlier, De La Salle escaped Adamson in straight sets while Ateneo turned back UE to claim their respective first victories in the men’s division.
The Green Spikers kicked off its campaign with a closely-fought 25-22, 25-23, 26-24 win over the Falcons, while the Blue Eagles began their redemption campaign with a 25-16, 22-25, 25-15, 25-14 triumph over the Warriors.
La Salle, who finished in the Final Four last season, banked on the all-around efforts of Noel Kampton and JM Ronquillo after the duo topscored with 19 and 18 points, respectively.
Despite winning the match in straight sets, the Green Spikers had to dig deep after trailing with Adamson for most of the game including in the third frame where it ended with Kampton’s crosscourt attack.
Meanwhile, Ateneo recovered from a second-set hiccup before breezing past the Red Warriors.
Ken Batas led the way for Ateneo with 22 points on 19 attacks, two blocks, and one ace while Matthew Salarzon delivered 15 points on 12 attacks, two blocks, and one ace to go along with 11 excellent receptions.
