Casiey Dongallo was expected to lead a struggling University of the East (UE) program back into contention in a highly competitive UAAP women’s volleyball scene featuring powerhouses like National University, University of Santo Tomas, and Far Eastern University.
However, the Lady Warriors faced sudden and shocking setbacks just a month before the start of UAAP Season 87, as several key players left the program.
On January 14, Dongallo — who made headlines with her historic rookie campaign at UE — transferred to the University of the Philippines (UP) along with former head coach Dr. Obet Vital.
Watching her current team and former squad battle in the season opener — a five-set thriller that UP ultimately won, 25-18, 26-24, 24-26, 13-25, 15-13 — the sophomore spiker couldn’t help but reflect on the “what ifs,” pondering what could have been had she stayed at UE.
Despite the lingering sense of regret, the 19-year-old outside hitter assured her unwavering support for both the Lady Warriors and the Fighting Maroons as they embark on separate paths in Season 87.
With Dongallo and her fellow transferees serving their residency year, UP will rely on veterans like Nina Ytang, Nica Celis, Kianne Olango, and Yesha Noceja, under Dr. Vital, who now serves as an assistant coach.
Meanwhile, UE will look to rebuild around a core led by Khy Cepada, Angelica Reyes, and Kayce Balingit.
“Watching them, parang may panghihinayang pa rin na sana nandiyan ako sa loob ng court, naglalaro pa rin. And ayun, wala namang pagpipili kung saan ako nakasuporta ngayon,” Dongallo told reporters during UP’s season opener against UE on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“I’m supporting both teams kasi naging past ko din naman yung UE, and kahit nasa UP ako, hindi ko pa rin nakalimutan yung UE.”
Her transition from Recto to Diliman was made easier by the support of her UE teammates who also made the move.
Alongside Dongallo, fellow California Academy standouts Kizzie Madriaga, Jelai Gajero, Shamel Fernandez, and Jenalyn Umayam also took their talents to UP.
This sparked a domino effect, with Yesha Rojo and Claire Castillo likewise departing UE to join College of St. Benilde in the NCAA under coach Jerry Yee.
“Simula nung high school, magkasama kami. Di ko naman inakala na mangyayari pala ‘to. Masaya pa rin kasi kahit nagkagulo, pinili pa rin nila na magkasama kami hanggang sa dulo,” Dongallo admitted.
“Ayun na nga, nagkagulo talaga, tapos pinili pa rin po nilang magkasama kami.”
As the dust settles on their shocking transfer, Dongallo remains focused on adjusting to life in Diliman and preparing for UP’s pursuit of success in UAAP women’s volleyball.
While serving her residency year, she and her teammates are also training for the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Under-21 Championship.
“Yung adjustment in terms of academics, okay naman po. Pero in terms of training, hindi pa po kami nakiki-join sa UAAP team kasi nagte-train kami for PNVF U21 po,” she concluded.
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