Dongallo, who set the highest scoring debut by a rookie in UAAP history, shares her big goal for the Lady Warriors.
No rookie jitters for University of the East's prized recruit Casiey Dongallo.
Dongallo powered the Lady Warriors with 27 big points in their opening day victory against Ateneo, setting the highest scoring debut by a rookie in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines's (UAAP) history.
Despite her praise-worthy start, the 19-year-old Cebuana chose to share the credit with her teammates, whom she said helped her shake off the nerves in her debut.
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"I am just thankful to my teammates kasi I cannot have 27 points without them," Dongallo said shortly after the Lady Warriors hacked out a 20-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-18 victory over the Blue Eagles in the UAAP season 86 women's volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay Saturday.
"I'm just happy na noong time na kinakabahan ako, nandoon sila. Hindi nila ako pinabayaan na bumaba 'yung laro ko," she added.
Dongallo, a highly sought-after hitter, bared the reason she decided to don UE's colors – to bring the school back to women's volleyball glory. She is joined by her California Academy teammates Jelaica Gajero, Kizzie Madriaga and Grace Fernandez in the Lady Warriors camp.
"'Yung reason kung bakit pumunta kami sa UE is we want to bring UE kung nasaan sila before," said Dongallo. "Ang saya kasi unti-unti naming napu-prove na 'yun kasi talaga [ang] purpose namin."
With the win, UE already tied its Season 85 record of a solitary win. But it certainly will be hungry for more come Wednesday as they face University of Santo Tomas at 4 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.