UE Lady Warriors’ Casiey Dongallo in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Casiey Dongallo put an end to the rumors about her transferring to another school as she reiterated her commitment to take the University of the East to greater heights in the UAAP.
Rumors swirled on social media that the UE super rookie is leaving the Lady Warriors but she quickly debunked it.
“I really don’t have a plan on leaving UE. Kasi nagsimula na po kami nakikita naman yung progress ng UE so bakit aalisan ko pa?” Dongallo told reporters.
READ: Casiey Dongallo eager to make UE a winner in UAAP volleyball
Amid the rumors, Casiey Dongallo reiterates her commitment to UE.
“I really don’t have a plan on leaving UE. Nagsimula na po kami bakit pa ko aalis?” #UAAPSeason86 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/MmwKPraHMD
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 23, 2024
UE assistant coach Dr. Obet Vital added that they’re also aware of the rumors but he stressed the long-term commitment of Dongallo and the California Academy standouts under team backer Frank Lao of Strong Group Athletics.
“ I know there are lots of posts of her ready in a UST uniform, and talks with management with La Salle and rumors about SGA and her. I just wanna clarify, Frank Lao is committed to UE and the girls for three years. That’s his commitment. He verified that also as well as the girls,” said Vital, who is calling the shots for the Lady Warriors due to Jerry Yee’s suspension. “All the UE girls are not going anywhere as a matter of fact dadagdagan pa yan next year.”
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball second round
“There’s a lot of people that loved to make news, they wanna make news, That’s ok they wanna make news but these are the facts.”
Jelai Gajero, who injured her ACL in the preseason, is set to help her high school teammate next year as she makes her rookie debut next year.
The 18-year-old spiker ended UE’s six-game skid with a 28-point explosion in their 26-24, 23-25, 25-18, 25-20 win over Adamson to tie their victims at 2-6 and end a five-year losing streak against the Lady Falcons on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
READ: UE rookie Casiey Dongallo turning pressure into motivation
Dongallo was emotional after their second win because her commitment to changing UE’s reputation from pushovers to contenders is always on her mind.
“Despite na ang dami na po naming losses, para sakin, ginawa ko yung inspiration. Yung iba kasi sinasabi na ‘UE lang yan’ so parang alam niyo na. Gusto ko lang po i-prove na UE is something, UE is new, kaya sobrang halaga po talaga ng game na ‘to kaya emotional po,” she said. “Itong game na to, para sa seniors to. Nag promise po kasi ako sa kanila na aalis sila sa UE na iba naman po yung standing ng UE.”
Dongallo, who is the league’s leading scorer with a total of 186 points in eight games, is also aware of the high expectations of her performance but she keeps her focus on helping UE win.
“Para sa akin po, yung ineexpect nila na high scoring, ginagawa ko po yun as motivation para sakin. As 18 years old, parang ang taas ng expectations nila sa akin. So hindi ko lang pinepressure yung sarili ko, tapos andyan naman sila Kizzy [Madriaga], sila ate, at tinutulungan po nila ako na makuha yung scores kung ilan man,” she said.
Dongallo and Lady Warriors will take a long break before their next game against the National University Lady Bulldogs on April 3 at Mall of Asia Arena.