MANILA – Casiey Dongallo had a triumphant debut as the University of the East Lady Red Warriors walloped Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 20-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-18, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Cebuana rookie erupted for 27 points on 26 attacks and one service ace to lead the way for the Lady Red Warriors’ first victory over the Blue Eagles since UAAP Season 73 in 2010.
“I am just thankful for my teammates kasi I cannot have naman 27 points without them. So I am just happy na parang nung time na kinakabahan ako, nandun sila, hindi nila ako pinabayaan na bumaba ‘yung laro ko,” said Dongallo.
“Masaya po kasi ‘yun ‘yung parang sabi ni Doc (assistant coach Obet Vidal) na ‘yung reason bakit kami pumunta sa UE is to make history. Ang saya na onti onti na namin silang napo-prove na ‘yung talaga ‘yung purpose namin,” she added.
With the Blue Eagles threatening to send the game to a fifth set, Dongallo took charge, scoring three points in a 5-0 run that stretched a 19-16 lead to a commanding 24-16 advantage in the fourth set.
UE committed an error afterwards, before Ateneo’s Geezel May Tsunashima scored off the block to cut the deficit to 18-24, but Dongallo clinched the win for the Lady Red Warriors with a combination play.
Riza Nogales scored 13 points built on nine attacks and four blocks, while Kayce Balingit added 12 markers on 10 attacks, a block, and a service ace for the Lady Red Warriors.
“This is just part of the history that we want to make, the rest is gonna be a process. It’s a new system that we brought into UE, so we’re working really hard po. We’re happy with the win but we have a lot of work ahead of us,” said Vital.
Meanwhile, defending champions De La Salle University Lady Spikers kicked off their title-retention bid with a 25-16, 25-16, 25-18 sweep of Adamson University Lady Falcons.
Negrense Angel Canino delivered 14 points on 11 attacks and three blocks to go along with four excellent digs and four excellent receptions while Shevana Laput chipped in 11 markers to go along with 10 excellent receptions for DLSU./PN
