University of the East capped off its UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball journey with a triumphant victory over University of the Philippines, marking a significant milestone for the Lady Warriors as they achieved their highest ranking in 12 years.
UE’s hard-fought 23-25, 25-17, 27-25, 25-22 win against the University of the Philippines on Saturday propelled its record to 3-11, resulting in a tie with Adamson University for the sixth and seventh positions.
Nevertheless, the Lady Warriors clinched the sixth spot due to their superior match points, tallying 11, which was three more than the Lady Falcons.
The last time UE secured the sixth spot in women’s volleyball was in Season 74, concluding with a 4-10 record.
Notable players from that era include Sarina Bulan and AC Masangkay.
“This is the first time that UE has come in sixth place in a long time, so that’s what we wanted. We came here to UE to make history no matter the wins or losses,” said UE interim coach Obet Vital.
“Today, when the last ball dropped and we made history po.”
With this notable achievement, rising star Casiey Dongallo eagerly anticipates the upcoming season, especially with reinforcements expected to bolster the team’s roster.
The highly anticipated debut of Gelai Gajero will finally materialize, alongside the arrival of Tin Ecalla, Keshia Famulagan, and other recruits set to join UE.
“Masaya naman kasi nabago naman nami,n and looking forward sa improvement kasi this season naka-sixth place kami. Looking forward sa Season 87 with the help of others naman like new recruits – we’re looking forward sa ibang standing naman,” said Dongallo, who had 28 points in her final game as a rookie.
“This season will set a tone for next season. Knowing na na-injure si Gelai before season, excited ako sa comeback niya next season,” she added.
The collective goal of elevating the Lady Warriors from the depths of the standings was a driving force behind Dongallo and her fellow California Academy batchmates’ decision to join UE.
The team felt determined to bounce back from consecutive 1-13 seasons, marking a new chapter in UE’s volleyball legacy.
