In a script seemingly written for the storybooks, Casiey Dongallo and Jelai Gajero opened a new chapter of their UAAP careers with the University of the Philippines — against the very team where their names first made waves.
The two made their much-anticipated debut for the Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, alongside Shamel Fernandez, Kizzie Madriaga, and Jenalyn Umayam.
But Dongallo and Gajero were immediately thrown into an emotional baptism by fire in a four-set clash against their former squad, the University of the East Lady Warriors.
After one hour and 41 minutes of intense play, any signs of nerves or hesitation were nowhere to be seen among the quintet of now-UP players facing their former teammates. Instead, only mutual respect radiated across the court.
For Dongallo — who tallied 13 points on 10 attacks, two aces, and one block before exiting in the third set due to a minor back injury — revenge was not the goal. Instead, she focused on the lessons and personal growth gained as a new Fighting Maroon.
“Siguro yung growth talaga… Ako personally ‘ha, mas nag-widen yung coverage ko of group of friends. Noong [nasa] UE kasi, parang nagsti-stick lang ako kung sino yung core ‘eh, sila Jelai ganon,” the 20-year-old spiker told reporters Saturday afternoon at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
“Now na lumipat ako ng UP, parang inopen nila yung mind ko na dapat hindi ako mag-stick doon sa box ko — I have to go out to my comfort zone. I met a lot of friends both inside and outside of volleyball. And also, yung chemistry at yung labas namin sa team is parang natural na lang. Hindi siya masyado mahirap mag-adjust nung lumipat kami sa UP.”
Beyond reflection, the former California Academy standouts could not hide their excitement in facing the teammates who had helped shape them into the athletes they are today.
Across the net, Dongallo, Gajero, and their teammates faced familiar faces: team captain Van Bangayan, KC Cepada, Angelica Reyes, Bea Zamudio, and Keshia Famulagan.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Parang masaya naman na makalaro ulit sila. Before the game, we hugged each other naman and naka-move on na siguro lahat kung ano nangyari before,” Dongallo said. “Masaya naman na nakalaro ulit sila, and I am happy na nasa UP na ako.
“Very happy lang po ako na makalaro na ulit sila. Before po, papasok pa lang, nakita ko na sila. Hug-hug, ganon,” Gajero added, who contributed five points and three excellent digs.
“Nakakatuwa po na nakalaro ko ulit sila kasi ang tagal na po since nakalaro kami, parang two years na rin. Almost two years.”
Having fully moved on from their brief stint at Recto, Dongallo emphasized that the new Fighting Maroons’ focus is clear: to end UP’s 10-season Final Four drought that has lasted since Season 78.
With their arrival — along with the continued emergence of Kianne Olango, Nina Ytang, Irah Jaboneta, and Joan Monares — Dongallo and the team aim to block out the pressure. Instead, they must focus on building the mindset needed to overcome top contenders such as National University, University of Santo Tomas, and De La Salle University.
“Kasi sa akin personally, pinag-uusapan talaga namin yan as a team, na hindi pwedeng isa lang yung may ganitong mindset. Every training, mini-mindset talaga namin sa buong team na makapunta sa Final Four. Kailangan din namin to work hard pa rin as a team,” Dongallo said.
“Hindi namin masyado prine-pressure yung sarili namin and sa team. Kundi, parang one day at a time lang kasi parang pag masyado namin siya iniisip, mas nagiging clouded yung utak namin.”
#WATCH: NAKA-MOVE ON NA SIGURO LAHAT ✊
Casiey Dongallo says she did not experience any jitters in her first game with UP 🏐#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/eY6Y3UV4yd
📹 @ernesttuazon /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/9OO3SeL3x0
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) February 14, 2026
