Six months.
That was how long University of the East (UE) standout Casiey Dongallo had to wait before stepping back onto the Taraflex.
After being sidelined by a wrist injury since the start of the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge, Dongallo made a triumphant return.
She helped UE secure a thrilling five-set victory over Far Eastern University (FEU) to claim solo second place.
In her comeback, the 19-year-old spiker delivered an exceptional 31-point performance, which included 29 attacks, one ace, and one block, alongside eight digs.
Dongallo also stepped up in the clutch moments, leading the Lady Warriors to a narrow 25-21, 24-26, 25-23, 22-25, 15-10 victory over the Lady Tamaraws in a dramatic fifth set.
Her return couldn’t have come at a better time for UE, as the win broke a three-way tie for second place in the seven-team league organized by Sports Vision.
Moreover, the final week of eliminations is fast approaching.
“Maganda rin yung timing talaga kasi akala ko buong V-League hindi ako makakapaglaro and kahapon lang, na-clear ako. Nagpa-practice ako tapos thankfully wala nang sumasakit,” the sophomore spiker shared.
“Maganda lang talaga yung timing ng panahon ngayon sa akin kasi wala rin ako nararamdaman during the game.”
Dongallo also expressed her gratitude to her teammates who stepped up in her absence, missing the Lady Warriors’ first five games of the pre-season tournament.
While sidelined, the team leaned on the efforts of KC Cepada, Jenalyn Umayam, Kayce Balingit, and team captain Kizzie Madriaga, who helped UE secure three wins from their first five outings.
“Kahit wala ako, nagpu-push pa rin yung teammates ko. Nakikita ko yung hard work nila, pati rin sa game, nandoon pa rin yung eagerness nila manalo. Kahit wala ako, thankful ako na linalaban pa rin nila yung UE,” Dongallo added, reflecting on her teammates’ determination to carry the team without her.
For head coach Obet Vital, having Dongallo back on the court was nothing short of a blessing.
He praised her ability to quickly find her form despite being out for nearly half a year.
“She didn’t lose her rhythm, normally players coming back to a game, it takes a while for them to get back to the rhythm, mentally, attitude, and physically, but she’s been working for this,” he said.
“So when she was cleared to play, she was ready to go and that was evident today.”
