Casiey Dongallo had a strong debut for UP but her stint ended early due to back pain as the Fighting Maroons beat UE to open UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball.
Casiey Dongallo played down any concern over an apparent back injury that had her exit early during UP's four-set win over the UE Lady Warriors in UAAP Season 88 on Saturday.
Dongallo made her debut for the Fighting Maroons to officially open the new season, but she left during the third set due to back pain.
After the match, Dongallo revealed that she's been dealing with the discomfort in training.
“Actually, sa training pa lang itong likod ko ‘eh. Problem is hindi ko sinabi kay coach Fabio [Menta], and ngayon naman, hindi siya nawala talaga [dahil] nandoon pa rin yung pain. Pero we’re gonna work on it pa,” she said.
For the UP coaches, they chose err on the side of caution in ending Dongallo's stint early and had her undergo some therapy while the rest of the game was still ongoing.
“For precaution, we took her to the dugout for massage and relaxation. When I asked her pain [level], 0 to 10, she said 5, which means [a] 7, because Cassie tends to be brave. Tomorrow they're off, Monday probably… So, everything is okay. We'll see her on Tuesday,” said Menta.
Raring comeback
All things considered, it was a tremendous game for Dongallo, who played her first game back in the UAAP after serving her one-year residency to UP.
[RELATED: UP claims opening win over UE to start UAAP Season 88]
Dongallo finished with 13 points, looking calm and focused even while facing her former school.
“Actually, wala [akong kaba]. Hindi ko alam kung bakit hindi ko naramdaman yung parang kaba or jitters compared sa Season 86. Parang ngayon kasi, I am excited to come back,” she said.
“Ayon yung nararamdaman ko na parang I am ready. With the help also of my teammates, hindi nila pinaparamdam na dapat ako kabahan kasi pinaparamdam nila na nandito sila sa likod ko," Dongallo added.
Casiey will have ample time to rest as the Fighting Maroons return to action next Sunday, February 22, against the Ateneo Blue Eagles at the Mall of Asia Arena.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.