Rookie to take a major role for UE this season

COMING from a successful high school volleyball program of California Academy Antipolo, rookie spiker Casiey Dongallo looks to help the University of the East (UE) Lady Red Warriors turn things around starting in Season 86 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball tournament which opens on Saturday, February 17.

“We all know that UE always finishes seventh or eighth but now that we have a new set of players and system, we’re trying our best to bring up the school to a better standing,” said Dongallo.

“We’re just hoping that we just want to be the new era. Whatever place UE finished at last year, we just want to improve on that,” added Dongallo.

A winner of multiple Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards and championships in high school, Dongallo is expected to take a major role for the Lady Red Warriors right away.

Fortunately, she knows a thing or two about leadership because of her experience at California Academy. “Being a leader is not new for me because since my California Academy days, I was one of the leaders of the team,” said Dongallo.

“Here at UE, knowing that some players are veterans, they have been allowing us to lead even though we’re just rookies. They’re not giving us a negative attitude. They are allowing us to talk about the things that would help our team improve.”

UE is now coached by Jerry Yee, who led the Adamson Lady Falcons to a Final Four finish last season.

Dongallo and the Lady Red Warriors begin their season against the Ateneo Blue Eagles at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The outside hitter admitted having mixed emotions as she makes her collegiate debut.

“I’m in a state of excitement and nervousness at the same time. It’s my first time playing in the UAAP and it’s my first time playing collegiate volleyball. I’m turning the pressure into excitement so it doesn’t affect my game,” she said.