Casiey Dongallo is transferring to UP after playing one season with UE in the UAAP.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Casiey Dongallo will no longer lead the way for the University of the East in the upcoming UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament as she and her fellow California Academy products are bound for University of the Philippines.
Multiple sources revealed to Inquirer Sports that UE’s roster had an exodus with Dongallo and setter Kizzie Madriaga as well as Jelai Gajero, who was supposed to debut this year, already left the team.
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An unimpeachable source also confirmed that Dongallo and Co. are set to suit up for UP.
READ: UAAP: Casiey Dongallo humbled by Alyssa Valdez comparisons
Inquirer sought Dongallo for comments as well as UE athletic director Rod Roque but both have yet to respond as of posting time.
In fact, Dongallo and Co. as well as former UE coach Dr. Obet Vital are under the contract of Strong Group Athletics, the backer of both UP and UE.
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Vital revealed last year that their commitment to UE through SGA was for three years when they debunked the rumors of Dongallo transferring to another school in the ongoing Season 86.
A year later, Dongallo, Madriaga, and Gajero will have to serve residency for two semesters before playing for the Fighting Maroons. They will receive another year of deduction from their eligibility due to the new transfer rules of member-to-member schools.
Dongallo had a sensational rookie year with UE, tallying the most points scored by a freshman in a season with 291 points. Although she lost the Rookie of the Year award to University of Santo Tomas rising star Angge Poyos.
READ: UAAP: Casiey Dongallo looks forward to stronger UE next season
With Dongallo showing her scoring prowess and Madriaga setting up the plays, UE got a major boost from the California Academy products, finishing the season with a 3-11 record in sixth place amid the suspension of former coach Jerry Yee.
Gajero, on the other hand, suffered a knee injury in the preseason last 2023, derailing her supposed debut last Season 86.
Her rookie season should take place this year but she will sit out anew for residency.
The trio still played in the preseason leagues in Shakey’s Super League and V-League Collegiate action last year.
Vital resigned from his post last December citing “differences in vision” as his reason. He reportedly joined new UP coach Benson Bocboc’s coaching staff.
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Another source said that the remaining UE coaching staff of Vital took charge of the Lady Warriors’ training.
