Former University of the East star Casiey Dongallo followed the path of her long-time coach Dr. Obet Vital after transferring to the University of the Philippines ahead of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball.

Dongallo took the same route and joined the State U after Vital resigned as UE's interim head coach and made his way to Diliman.

The school is hoping that the partnership will bring a wealth of experience and firepower after only winning a single game to finish dead last in Season 86.

"It's about time na palakasin din natin ang volleyball teams natin because they have great potential to be another source for unity ng UP community,”  said UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development director Bo Perasol.

“We welcome the entry of Doc Obet and his players 'di lang para palakasin ang WVT, but to also show that we're turning serious about competing in volleyball," he added.

The sophomore Dongallo, however, will skip the coming season to serve a one-year residency.

Vital, on the other hand, will be UP’s new assistant alongside Alohi Robins-Hardy for head coach Benson Bocboc, a former deputy coach in La Salle.

"Their arrival is a sign that Mr. Frank Lao, SGA, and OASD are really sincere in developing the UP volleyball program. Their addition to our roster, together with our recruits this year, will definitely make our team a contender in the following years," said UP volleyball program director Oliver Almadro.

The last time UP entered the playoffs was in 2017 where Tots Carlos and Isa Molde bannered the Maroons.

The Cebuana spiker and Vital have been working together since their days in California Academy, a school based in Antipolo City.