Dongallo, Gajero relish biggest win of UAAP careers as UP stuns NU in five sets

When Casiey Dongallo and Jelai Gajero transferred to the UP Fighting Maroons, they had big dreams in mind.

While the race for the crown in UAAP Season 88 is still in the early stages, the Diliman-based squad scored some good momentum on Saturday after storming back against the two-time defending champion NU Lady Bulldogs for a reverse sweep.

[RELATED: UAAP: UP stuns defending champion NU in five-set thriller]

Playing big roles in the comeback victory, Dongallo and Gajero reflected on what is arguably the biggest win of their UAAP careers so far.

"Speechless ako. Hindi ko ma-ano yung emotions ko ngayon kasi first time namin ito manalo against a big team,” Dongallo said after the match.

"I’m just so happy na meron kaming seniors na nagga-guide sa amin sa loob ng court and also sa system ni Fabio [Menta]. We just have to be focused sa loob ng court and tumulong kami kung ano kaya namin matulong para manalo."

Dongallo unleashed a team-high 20 points in a steady performance for UP, which needed to save a handful of match points in the extended fourth and fifth sets.

Meanwhile, Gajero was pivotal in the fourth set, where the Fighting Maroons battled back from a 21-24 deficit.

She had six points in that pivotal frame and ended up finishing with 19 points.

Playing in her first year in the UAAP after sitting out Season 86 with UE due to injury, Gajero relished getting a big win with the Fighting Maroons.

"Very happy kasi since high school ako, ito yung first time na natalo namin yung NU. When nasa UE kami, kahit ‘ata kuha ng set hindi [namin nagawa],” Gajero said.

"Sobrang saya ko na nanalo kami with the help of the system ni Fabio [Menta] and yung mga seniors namin."

Regaining lethal form

Through four games with their new team, Dongallo and Gajero are slowly but surely getting their groove own.

Save for some nagging injuries, both players are easing into their role under a fresh environment and are eager to keep going.

"For me, I think marami pa rin ako kailangan i-work on. Sa laro naman ngayon, parang kumpiyansa na talaga sa sarili na parang gabay din [ng seniors],” Dongallo said.

"Kasi syempre nakikita mo yung mga teammates mo and seniors mo na nagpu-push talaga and nandoon yung mindset ko na I have to contribute to the team... I think marami pa ako kailangan i-improve, but I can also say na I am getting there,” she added.

As for Gajero, she promised to continue working on her shortcomings to give herself the best chance to contribute to the team's goals.

"Sa akin, same din kay Casiey na ang dami kailangan i-work on. Kita naman yung passing namin talaga, medyo nag-struggle pa. Everyday, trinatrabaho namin siya. Partly din doon is yung tapang and isip na kahit mawala sa form, basta mai-angat namin ito, ‘yon yung winowork on namin,” she said.

The UP Fighting Maroons return to action against the FEU Lady Tamaraws on Sunday, March 8, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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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.