With Dongallo and Gajero out, Cepada takes charge for UE

Injuries often create opportunities for those willing to seize them.

For University of the East, the absence of their star players, Casiey Dongallo and Jelai Gajero, has tested its resilience and adaptability. 

Embracing the ‘next woman up’ mentality, UE has turned to veteran Khy Cepada, whose stellar performance was pivotal in their recent five-set victory over Lyceum of the Philippines University in the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge.

With Dongallo and Gajero sidelined by injuries—Dongallo nursing a wrist fracture and Gajero recovering from an ACL tear—the spotlight was firmly on Cepada, one of the longest-tenured players on the roster. 

And she did not disappoint. 

Cepada, whose leadership and scoring prowess have long been integral to the Lady Warriors' success, stepped up when her team needed her most.

On a night when every point mattered, Cepada delivered with 16 points, including a critical six in the deciding fifth set. Her offensive firepower was a key factor in UE's hard-fought 17-25, 25-23, 23-25, 25-22, 15-11 triumph at the Paco Arena in Manila.

“Cepada had a big hit at the opening of the set and I called her to the side and said ‘that’s what I wanna see all the time,’” shared Lady Warriors coach Obet Vital. 

“Congratulations to Cepada; she did well closing out the fifth set. I just need her to become more consistent where I know she could be. Powerful.”

Vital’s confidence in Cepada is evident, but he also recognizes the challenge of maintaining high performance levels across the board. Despite the victory, he emphasized the importance of consistency, both from Cepada and her teammates. 

“I told Cepada I know she can do it, I just need more of it, and that goes with all the other hitters as well. Whatever position they are, we always tell them they can. The struggle is when I know that they can do really well and they’re playing below that level; that’s the difficult part.”

Supporting Cepada’s standout performance were her teammates—Kayce Balingit with 14 points, Jenalyn Umayam adding 13, and Riza Nogales contributing 10. 

Their combined efforts ensured the Lady Warriors secured their second win of the season, bringing their record to an even 2-2 and placing them solo fourth in the standings.

As the Lady Warriors look ahead, Vital is cautious but optimistic about the return of Dongallo and Gajero. 

Dongallo, whose initial eight-week recovery from a wrist fracture has extended, is expected back on the court by September. 

Gajero, on the other hand, is nearing the end of her 11-month rehabilitation. 

“Dongallo is still healing. It’s supposed to be only eight weeks, but we want to make sure everything is good rather than rushing her back too soon. We’ll take the losses now if we have to without the two, but it’s better to ensure they’re fully healthy,” said Vital.

“Gajero will also be coming back shortly. She’s on her 11th month of her ACL injury, and the doctor wants to see that 12th month completed. She’s doing well, but we want to ensure she’s fully ready for the long term.”