Casiey Dongallo and University of the East exhibited composure in their triumph over the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, securing their fourth consecutive victory in the 2023 V-League Collegiate Challenge.
The match concluded with a score of 25-21, 24-26, 24-26, 25-22, 15-12 on Wednesday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Lady Warriors had to regain control of the match after losing their ace spiker, Jelai Gajero, early in the second set due to a left knee injury. This allowed them to maintain their position at the top of the standings with a 4-0 record.
"Looking at the positives, it's like the players who needed to step up did step up, those who were left behind. We're happy that we got the win, but it's quite costly for us. So, hopefully, the assessment (with Gajero) goes well," remarked head coach Jerry Yee.
In the absence of her partner, Dongallo carried the fight for UE with an impressive 37-point outburst, launching attacks from various positions on the court.
Dongallo's 37-point outing matches the collegiate conference-record set by Adamson's Angela Benting back on November 24, 2009 and Lyceum guest player Ging Balse back on August 19, 2010.
Riza Nogales took charge at the net with six blocks for the Lady Warriors.
UE's defense thwarted the standout performance of NCAA Season 98 MVP Mary Rose Dapol, who tallied 23 points from 21 successful spikes. Shaila Omipon added 16 points to the tally for the Lady Altas, who now stand at a 2-2 record.
