While University of the Philippines’ prospects look brighter than ever for the upcoming UAAP Season 87, the program’s future has become even more promising with the arrival of developmental expert Dr. Obet Vital, Casiey Dongallo, and Jelai Gajero.
Dr. Vital will take on multiple roles as he oversees the Fighting Maroons’ newly formalized training pool, serves as an assistant to head coach Benson Bocboc, and spearheads the grassroots program aimed at sustaining UP’s long-term contention.
Bringing decades of experience, Dr. Vital has been an educator and strategist for California Academy in Antipolo and served as interim head coach for University of the East.
Notably, he was instrumental in Dongallo’s rise from a promising player in Cebu to a record-breaking scorer in the UAAP, where she tallied an astonishing 291 points in a single season.
Now, the 5-foot-7 scoring ace has followed the mentor who discovered and developed her, transferring from UE to UP Diliman.
Dongallo will sit out for one year under residency rules before making her debut in Season 88.
Joining Dongallo are fellow transferees setter Kizzie Madriaga, Gajero, and middle blocker Jenalyn Umayam, all of whom aim to bolster a roster that already includes stalwarts like former second Best Middle Blocker Nina Ytang and ex-UAAP Juniors MVP Kianne Olango.
For Season 87, the Fighting Maroons will focus on improving their one-win performance from last year as they chase their first Final Four appearance since 2017.
Supported by Strong Group Athletics (SGA) and business tycoon Frank Lao, the team will lean on veterans like Nica Celis and Irah Jaboneta, as well as promising youngsters Yesha Noceja and Bienne Bansil.
Meanwhile, one-and-done standout Kassy Doering will provide additional firepower under first-year head coach Bocboc, with Vital and new assistant Alohi Robins-Hardy lending their expertise.
“Their arrival is a sign that Mr. Frank Lao, SGA, and the UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development (OASD) are truly committed to developing the UP volleyball program. With their addition and our new recruits, the team is poised to become a contender in the years to come,” said UP volleyball program director Oliver Almadro.
Vital’s entry also paved the way for Dongallo, Madriaga, Gajero, and Umayam to see UP as a golden opportunity to be part of a program steadily rising to contention.
Meanwhile, Shamel Fernandez, another product of Cal, has opted to stay with the University of the East.
The Fighting Maroons’ last Final Four appearance came during the Tots Carlos and Isa Molde era. Now, Dr. Vital, Dongallo, and the rest of the revamped roster are determined not only to end UP’s playoff drought but also to solidify its position as a perennial contender.
This development is a significant boost for UP, which hopes to elevate its volleyball program to match the success of its men’s basketball team, which claimed its second championship in four seasons last December.
“It’s about time na palakasin din natin ang volleyball teams natin because they have great potential to be another source of unity for the UP community. We welcome the entry of Doc Obet and his players, hindi lang para palakasin ang Women’s Volleyball Team, but also to show that we’re serious about competing in volleyball,” said Bo Perasol, director of the UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development.
