MANILA – University of the East Lady Warriors opened their Shakey’s Super League Collegiate campaign with a 25-14, 25-21, 25-19 win against Jose Rizal University Lady Bombers on Sunday afternoon at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Rookie Casiey Dongallo spearheaded the offense with 20 points, all from attacks, despite playing only for two sets as the new-look Lady Warriors gained an early advantage in the Pool A standings.
Ashley Cañete and Riza Nogales, meanwhile, contributed six markers apiece and KC Cepada chipped in five points for the Lady Warriors, which finished off the match in 74 minutes.
Without Dongallo in the opening frame, Cepeda carried the Lady Warriors to a 19-9 advantage with little to no resistance from the Lady Bombers en route to a deciding 11-point win.
Dongallo then led the Lady Warriors in the second set as they turned an 8-all score into an 18-12 spread. It was also the rookie who carried the offense in the third set, as they surged to a 16-10 lead and never looked back.
“First, I love the fact there’s an all-to-play rule to give opportunity to all players. We’re still trying to work on two separate line-ups for the first six on both sets. So far, I’m happy that both the line-ups executed well,” said UE assistant coach Obet Vital.
“It’s a pretty good win for us to start the tournament, but in the long run, as the league gets going, we have to gel and have better chemistry. There were some slow spots in the three sets,” he added.
Meanwhile, Adamson University Lady Falcons hacked out a 25-19, 25-17, 25-22 straight set triumph over Arellano University Lady Chiefs (1-1) for a winning start in the Pool B action.
Antonette Adolfo rifled in 13 points to lead a balanced attack for the Lady Falcons, team captain Lucille Almonte added seven while Sharya Ancheta and Ayesha Juegos threw in six points each.
In another game, Lyceum of the Philippines Lady Pirates kept the San Beda University Lady Red Spikers winless with a 25-6, 19-25, 26-24, 25-18 triumph. Johna Dolorito and Janeth Tulang tallied 15 points apiece for the Lady Pirates./PN
