University of the East arrested a six-game skid after tearing down Adamson University, 26-24, 23-25, 25-18, 25-20, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Saturday.
Sensational rookie Casiey Dongallo took matters into her own hands by scoring five of the last six points in the fourth frame to break away from the Lady Falcons and bag UE’s second win of the season.
Dongallo became emotional after finishing the game with 28 points from 25 attacks, two blocks, and an ace.
“We have to give it our all, because all of these games are our last game (with the seniors). We won’t be able to play with Adamson with the same group,” Dongallo said.
Kizzie Madriaga embraced her role as the setter and team captain of the team as she finished with 11 excellent sets and six points.
“Since last night, I’ve been thinking about my job in the team and the role of being a setter and a team captain was given to me. When I think about it, it’s a job that holds a lot of bearing,” Madriaga said.
“I just thought I’d accept it. That no matter what happens, I’m gonna be up there with them,” she continued.
The Lady Red Warriors overcame their defensive slump early in the game to deny Ishie Lalongisip’s 17-point performance and Barbie Jamili’s 11 points as the Lady Falcons succumbed to their fourth consecutive loss.
In men’s play, Far Eastern University hacked out a thrilling 16-25, 25-21, 34-32, 20-25, 15-8 win over second-seed De La Salle University.
Jayjay Javelona led the Tamaraws to open their second round with a win as he finished with 21 points from 15 attacks, three blocks, and three aces.
After yielding the fourth frame, the Tamaraws went to Ariel Cacao, who wound up with 24 excellent sets.
“In the fifth set, I just relaxed my mind so I can think and distribute the ball properly,” Cacao said.
Cacao’s effort worked wonders as Javelona, Zhydryx Saavedra, Martin Bugaoan, and Andrei Delicana each contributed to secure the win in the final stretch.
Saavedra finished with 20 points, Bugaoan contributed 20, including four-of-20 blocks, while Delicana chipped in 13.
“That game is a no-man’s game. It’s like no matter which team wins, it was well deserved,” Coach Eddieson Orcullo said.
“We’re thankful for La Salle that they gave us that game because it gave us the opportunity to know each other’s capacity,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Adamson University breezed past University of the East, 25-17, 29-27, 25-22, to capture its fourth win and force a three-way tie for fourth place with University of Santo Tomas and Ateneo de Manila University.
Francis Casas led the attack with 21 points from 18 attacks, two blocks, and an ace during the crucial stretch in the second frame.
But it was Dan Gutierrez who capitalized in the last stretch by planting his attacks on the left side of the court, including the tip-in for the deciding point which exposed the defensive miscommunication among the Red Warriors.
Gutierrez finished with 11 points, while Ronn Domingo reinforced the Soaring Falcons’ firepower with 13 excellent sets.
