UE Lady Warriors in the V-League.–PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — University of the East and National University captured the bronze in the 2024 V-League Collegiate Challenge women’s and men’s divisions, respectively, on Sunday at Philsports Arena.
UE leaned on the troika of Jelai Gajero, Casiey Dongallo, and Kai Cepada to fight back from two sets down and beat College of Saint Benilde, 23-25, 18-25, 25-18, 25-23, 15-11, for a decent third-place finish.
Gajero, who returned from a knee injury last year, unleashed 29 points off 25 attacks, three blocks, and an ace to lead the Lady Warriors’ comeback. Dongallo chipped in 20 points, while Cepada added 17 points.
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The Lady Warriors also turned to Riza Nogales, who helped UE pull away from 5-all in the fifth set before Dongallo nailed back-to-back kills to secure the victory.
“We played some of our games without Gajero and Dongallo. We even lost (Jenalyn) Umayam, one of our starters as well to injury,” said UE coach Obet Vital. “So, that was three starters, but we did well. The rest of the girls stepped up and they kept us in the elims and the playoffs.”
UE overcame Rhea Densing’s 28-point explosion for St. Benilde. Mary Grace Borromeo had 16 points, including 13 attacks and three aces, while Zam Nolasco added 10 points.
Meanwhile, UAAP champion National University swept University of Santo Tomas, 25-19, 34-32, 31-29, for the men’s division bronze.
Leo Aringo delivered a game-high 17 points for the Bulldogs, who missed Alas Pilipinas stars Buds Buddin, Jade Disquitado, Peng Taguibolos, and Leo Ordiales.
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Middle blocker Obed Mukaba nailed the finishing touches in the neck-and-neck third-set duel to finish with 13 points, highlighted by nine spikes and four blocks, while Jan Abanilla added 11 points.
“At least nakita namin yung mga players namin na kayang mag-perform. Hindi na mahihirapan si coach Dante (Alinsunurin) ‘pag balik niya kung sino ‘yung gagamitin. Lahat naman ‘to is preparation namin for UAAP,” said NU assistant coach Dong Dela Cruz.
Jan Macam, an incoming rookie for UST, led the way with 14 points, stepping up in Josh Ybañez’s absence, while Sherwin Umandal and GBoyDe Vega added 10 and 7 points, respectively.