By NIKOLE JAVIER
Rookie star Casiey Dongallo powered University of the East past University of the Philippines in four sets, 23-25, 25-17, 27-25, 25-22, to wrap up their UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday, April 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Lady Warriors, who lost to the Lady Maroons in the first round, recovered from an opening-set hiccup to snap their five-game losing slump and end up with a 3-11 slate for sixth place. It was their first three-season win since Season 81.
At presstime, Dongallo now holds the record of the most scoring rookie with 291 points in the 14-game elimination.
The 18-year-old outside hitter delivered 28 points built on 25 attacks, two kill blocks and one service ace this time to give UE its best finish in a long time.
Former Ateneo Blue Eagles’ Faith Nisperos previously had the record with 267 points which she made in Season 84 in 2022.
University of Santo Tomas’ Angge Poyos, though, has tallied 268 points with one remaining game left against defending champion De La Salle happening at press time.
“Very proud of the accomplishments of the team so far. UE has come in sixth place for the first time in a long time. That’s what we wanted. No matter the wins or losses, the last ball dropped and we made history,” said assistant coach Dr. Obet Vital.
“We’re setting the tone for what’s to come and closing out with a win [is a start] towards the future for Season 87 and other preseason leagues as well.”
Meanwhile, Steph Bustrillo and Irah Jaboneta paced the Fighting Maroons with 15 points each in the losing cause.
The State U, on the other end, finished with one-win campaign in back-to-back seasons only this season it was under the guidance of head coach Oliver Almadro.
In the men’s action for the last time this season, Louis Gamban and Angelo Lagando joined hands to lift UP past UE in a dramatic five-set thriller, 25-19, 18-25, 14-25, 25-20, 15-9, to end its campaign on a positive note.
The Fighting Maroons wound up with a 2-10 card to finish seventh in the standings.
