Jelai Gajero delivered a standout performance, lifting University of the East to a thrilling reverse sweep over College of Saint Benilde, 23-25, 18-25, 25-18, 25-23, 15-11, to secure the bronze medal in the 2024 V-League Collegiate Challenge women’s division on Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
The Lady Red Warriors claimed their second consecutive third-place finish, thanks in large part to Gajero’s heroics, especially in the crucial fifth set.
With the score tied at 5-all in the decider, Riza Nogales sparked a pivotal run with two consecutive points, providing the momentum UE needed to close out the match.
Casiey Dongallo delivered the final blows with two clutch kills, sealing the dramatic victory.
“We played some of our games without Gajero and Dongallo. We even lost (Jenalyn) Umayam, one of our starters, to injury. So, that was three starters. But we did well,” said UE head coach Obet Vital.
“The rest of the girls stepped up, and they kept us in the play and in the playoffs.”
Gajero exploded for 29 points, with 25 coming from attacks, three blocks, and one service ace. Her exceptional defensive work, particularly in the deciding set, proved crucial in the Lady Warriors’ victory.
Dongallo added 20 points, including 18 spikes from various areas of the court, while Kai Cepada chipped in 17 markers.
The Lady Red Warriors’ resilience was on full display after dropping the first two sets to last year’s champions, CSB.
Rhea Densing was unstoppable at the pin, scoring the bulk of her game-high 28 points in the first two frames to give the Lady Blazers a commanding 2-0 lead.
However, UE made key adjustments starting in the third set, with Dongallo stepping up her game in the middle.
Despite a fierce push from CSB, UE managed to hold on in the next two sets, as Gajero, Dongallo, and Cepada led the comeback charge.
For CSB, Mary Grace Borromeo contributed 16 points on 13 attacks and three service aces, while Zam Nolasco patrolled the middle with 10 points to support Densing’s offensive output.
