University of the East rookie Cassiey Dongallo put up a debut to remember against Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday.
The highly-touted rookie out of California Academy delivered the big blows, leading the Lady Warriors’ first win over Ateneo de Manila University in 14 years, 20-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-18, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament, Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Dongallo erupted for 27 points on 26 attacks and one ace to help the Lady Warriors end a 21-game skid over the Blue Eagles.
The last time that UE won a game over Ateneo was back on December 5, 2010 – a 12-25, 25-20, 25-21, 13-25, 15-13 decision during the first round of the UAAP Season 73.
The 18-year-old Cebuana hitter’s 27-point output is also the highest for a rookie debut in UAAP women’s volleyball history. It was just one point shy of tying Angel Canino’s mark last season.
She set that record last April 19, 2023 — a 25-17, 25-27, 23-25, 25-23 win by La Salle over Adamson.
“First of all po, I’m just thankful for my teammates kasi I cannot have naman 27 points without them eh. So I’m just happy na parang nung time na kinakabahan ako, nandun sila, hindi nila ako pinabayaan na bumaba yung laro ko,” said Dongallo.
With Ateneo threatening to send the game to a fifth set, Dongallo took charge, scoring three points in a 5-0 run that stretched a 19-16 lead to a commanding 24-16 advantage in the fourth set.
UE committed an error afterwards, before Geezel May Tsunashima scored off the block to cut the deficit to six points. That, however, proved to be it for the Blue Eagles.
Dongallo converted a combination play to finish off the game after an hour and 48 minutes.
“I’m very excited. The reason why we came to UE is to make history and this is part of it. The rest is gonna be a process po, it’s gonna take a while,” said UE assistant coach Obet Vital.
“It’s a new system that we brought into UE, so we’re working really hard po. We’re happy with the win but we have a lot of work ahead of us.”
Riza Nogales scored 13 points built on nine attacks and four blocks, while Kayce Balingit added 12 markers on 10 attacks, a block, and an ace for UE.
The Lady Warriors will take on University of Sto. Tomas on Wednesday, 4:00 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Lyann De Guzman led Ateneo with 19 points on 18 attacks and one block to go along with 16 excellent receptions.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Delos Santos and Tsunashima had 12 and 10 markers, respectively.
The Blue Eagles failed to give Brazilian coach Sergio Veloso a winning debut.
Ateneo will look to bounce back against National University next Saturday, 4:00 PM at the MOA Arena.
