Casiey Dongallo's 28 points tow UE to win over UP, while in men’s action, it was UP that outlasted UE in the UAAP Season 86 volleyball tournament on Saturday, April 27.
Casiey Dongallo needed to be at her best to help UE Lady Warriors score a 23-25, 25-17, 27-25, 25-22 win over the UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball on Saturday, April 27 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Dongallo ended her rookie season with 28 points, coming off 25 attacks with two blocks and an ace, as the rebuilding Lady Warriors reached three wins in 14 games for the first time since Season 81. UE's three wins this year are also more than the last two UAAP seasons combined.
While it wasn’t the turnout they envisioned coming into the season, interim coach Obet Vital couldn’t help but be proud of his wards.
“I felt that we did pretty good. We could have done better, but very proud of the accomplishments so far,” said Vital.
Dongallo shared a similar sentiment, adding she was simply elated wrap up her rookie year in the UAAP.
“Masaya ako kasi dati pangarap ko lang maglaro sa UAAP,” Dongallo said.
Steph Bustrillo and Irah Jaboneta paced UP with 15 points apiece as the Fighting Maroons struggled to string together wins this year. UP finished 1-13 for Season 86.
In men’s play, it was UP that scored a 25-19, 18-25, 14-25, 25-20, 15-9 thriller of a win against the Warriors in the curtain-raiser.
Angelo Lagandao and Dan Nicolas stepped up when it mattered most for the Fighting Maroons, spearheading UP’s rampage and helping the team end the season at seventh with a 2-12 record.
However, it was Louis Gamban who topscored for UP with 20 points. Lagandao and Nicolas added 15 and 14 points, respectively.
“We’re very happy for where we are right now. We struggled all the way but I think the team has already improved a lot,” said coach Vip Isada.
Joshua Pozas and Shan Camaymayan scored 13 each for the Red Warriors, who remained mired in the cellar with a 1-13 card.