After a six-month layoff due to a wrist injury, University of the East (UE) standout Casiey Dongallo made a stunning return to the Taraflex, leading the Lady Warriors to a thrilling five-set victory over Far Eastern University (FEU) in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge. Dongallo’s comeback performance was nothing short of remarkable, delivering 31 points on 29 attacks, one ace, and one block, along with eight digs, as UE secured solo second place with the dramatic win.
For the 19-year-old spiker, this moment had been a long time coming. Sidelined since the start of the tournament, she returned just in time to help her team break a three-way tie in the standings, with the final week of eliminations looming. Her clutch performance in the fifth set, where UE edged out FEU 15-10, was a testament to her hard work and perseverance.
Reflecting on her journey back, Dongallo expressed relief and gratitude for the timing of her return.
“Maganda rin yung timing talaga kasi akala ko buong V-League hindi ako makakapaglaro and kahapon lang, na-clear ako. Nagpa-practice ako tapos thankfully wala nang sumasakit,” she shared. “Maganda lang talaga yung timing ng panahon ngayon sa akin kasi wala rin ako nararamdaman during the game.”
Her return came at the perfect moment for UE, which had relied on its core players—KC Cepada, Jenalyn Umayam, Kayce Balingit, and team captain Kizzie Madriaga—throughout Dongallo’s absence. The Lady Warriors managed three wins from five games without their star, a feat that did not go unnoticed by Dongallo.
“Kahit wala ako, nagpu-push pa rin yung teammates ko. Nakikita ko yung hard work nila, pati rin sa game, nandoon pa rin yung eagerness nila manalo,” Dongallo said, reflecting on her team’s resilience. “Kahit wala ako, thankful ako na linalaban pa rin nila yung UE.”
For UE head coach Obet Vital, Dongallo’s return couldn’t have been more welcome. He praised her ability to seamlessly reintegrate into the team, highlighting how she didn’t lose her rhythm despite being away from the game for half a year.
“She didn’t lose her rhythm, normally players coming back to a game, it takes a while for them to get back to the rhythm, mentally, attitude, and physically, but she’s been working for this,” Vital said. “So when she was cleared to play, she was ready to go and that was evident today.”
