Rising star Casiey Dongallo was glad to have helped University of the East in its future program as she capped her maiden season with the team on a positive note in the UAAP Season 86. 

The 18-year-old Cebuana led the Lady Warriors to their best finish since Season 74 that saw them with a 3-11 record this time to end up in sixth place in the standings. 

However unfavorable the results may seem, UE showed great promise heading into the near future with its volleyball program. 

“It set the tone for the next season. Knowing na-injure si Gelai (Gajero) before the season started, excited ako sa comeback niya next season and the other recruits,” Dongallo said, who capped a brilliant rookie year with 28 points to power UE over University of the Philippines in four sets last April 27. 

“Even though may goal kaming hindi namin nagawa, nandito pa rin kami in our last game thankfully nanalo kami.

“Kung ano man nangyari this season, we’ll change that for the next one. We will do more with the help of the management, coaches, and new players,” she added. 

The 5-foot-7 outside hitter became the highest scoring rookie with 291 points built on 257 attacks, 25 blocks and nine aces. 

Dongallo sealed the single-season record with another monstrous performance in her final rookie game, besting the previous high of 267 made by Ateneo’s Faith Nisperos in Season 84. 

A product of California Academy in Antipolo, Dongallo made the brave decision to enter UE despite its lowly place in the UAAP standings, with hopes of changing it through her talent and dedication. 

“Para sa akin challenge na pumunta ka sa isang school na gano’n ‘yung standing. Masaya ako kasi nabago namin ‘yun,” she said. 

UE opened the season on a winning note after beating Ateneo for the first time in nearly 14 years in only four sets. 

However, things quickly took a turn for the worse as the Lady Warriors’ head tactician Jerry Yee was handed a season-long suspension by the UAAP due to ethical breach. 

This meant not having Yee at the touchline for UE in the game venues. 

With Yee’s absence, assistant coach Dr. Obet Vital took the main coaching duties on his shoulder. 

For that, Dongallo was nothing short of grateful. 

“Siyempre we’re thankful to coach Obet for not giving up on us kasi sa training pa lang talaga may araw na matigas ‘yung ulo namin,” said Dongallo. 

“HIndi siya nag-give up sa amin, behind our win and improvement siya talaga ‘yun,” she added. 

With the season now over and done, UE can only see the positives from here on where it is not lacking in manpower and resources to fulfill its ultimate goal of properly breaking through in the tournament.