UE thumps UP, ends season on high note
Rookie star Casiey Dongallo powered University of the East past University of the Philippines, 2325, 25-17, 27-25, 25-22, to wrap up their UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball campaign on a high note on Saturday, April 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Lady Warriors recovered from an opening-set hiccup to snap their five-game losing slump and finish the season with a 3-11 slate for sixth place in the standings. It was their first three-season win since Season 81.
So far, the 18-year-old Dongallo holds the record of the most scoring rookie with 291 points in the 14-game elimination after delivering 28 points built on 25 attacks, two kills and one ace against the Maroons, steering the Lady Warriors to their best finish in a long time.
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.
Former Ateneo Blue Eagles’ Faith Nisperos previously had the record with 267 points which she made in Season 84 in 2022.
“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,” he added.
Meanwhile, Steph Bustrillo and Irah Jaboneta scored 15 points each in a losing cause for UP, which finished its campaign with a single win against 13 losses.
In men’s action, 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.