UP embraces Dongallo, Gajero additions in bid to end decade-long Final Four drought

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The UP Fighting Maroons get a major boost for their rebuilding women's volleyball program following the confirmed transfers of budding superstar spiker Casiey Dongallo and 3 other former UE standouts

MANILA, Philippines – Just like the UP men’s basketball team of today, the Fighting Maroons women’s volleyball squad is setting up a prosperous rise for tomorrow.

Following the arrival of outspoken mentor Dr. Obet Vital and newly installed head coach Benson Bocboc, UP has confirmed the transfers of Vital’s longtime wards from California Academy-Antipolo, former UE star spiker Casiey Dongallo, prospect hitters Jelai Gajero and Jenalyn Umayam, and setter Kizzie Madriaga.

This comes at a crucial rebuilding time for the Fighting Maroons, which, unlike their men’s basketball counterpart, have not tasted success since clinching a Final Four spot nearly 10 years ago in UAAP Season 78.

Inspired by the love and support the men’s basketball team got in its rise back to championship-winning status, the former UE quartet “felt the excitement to further help the women’s volleyball team,” per a UP statement.

“It’s about time that we strengthen our volleyball teams also, because they have great potential to be another source for unity of the UP community,” said UP Office of Athletics and Sports Development director Bo Perasol.

“We welcome the entry of Doc Obet and his players not just to improve the women’s volleyball team, but to also show that we’re turning serious about competing in volleyball.”

The California Academy standouts’ arrival, particularly Dongallo and Gajero, marks UP’s newest promising haul since securing the commitments of former UAAP high school MVP Kianne Olango and fellow NU-Nazareth standout Yesha Noceja.

The Fighting Maroons’ post-residency rise for Season 88, however, comes at the expense of a longer rebuild for the UE Lady Warriors, who only got back winger Shamel Fernandez in their camp following reports that she would also join her fellow California Academy classmates in UP.

Despite this, the two teams’ common backer Strong Group Athletics affirmed its support for both rebuilding programs. – Rappler.com