There is NOTHING stopping the University of the Philippines (UP) from strengthening its entire sports program — more than just basketball.
In a major move, UP has enlisted the services of development coach Dr. Obet Vital and rising volleyball star Casiey Dongallo alongside a group of other standouts from the University of the East (UE) to advance their rebuilding division in the UAAP volleyball tournament.
A high school MVP in the PNVF and SSL national leagues, 5-foot-7 spiker Ms. Dongallo completed the transfer this week to end rumors of a permanent UE split.
He (Dongallo), and friends Kizzie Madriaga, Jelai Gajero and Jenalyn Umayam, will rehash the upcoming tournament before qualifying for Season 88 for the UP women’s volleyball team (WVT) supported by Strong Group Athletics (SGA) and business tycoon Frank Lao .
All these players mentioned form the core of the popular California Acacemy in Antipolo, which dominated many junior tournaments, under the supervision of Mr. Vital before moving on to UAAP and UE joint play.
Mr. Vital, known for his scientific methods in developing young players, served as assistant head coach Jerry Yee at UE and will fill the same role under Benson Bocboc at UP, while in charge of Diliman’s junior program.
Former champion Alohi Robins-Hardy is also part of Mr. Bocboc as UP focuses on ending the eight-year drought.
“Their arrival is a sign that Mr. Frank Lao, SGA, and OASD (Office of Athletics and Sports Development) are really serious about improving the UP volleyball program. Their addition to our roster, along with those we selected this year, will definitely make our team a contender for years to come,” said UP volleyball program director Oliver Almadro.
“It is time to strengthen our volleyball teams because they have the potential to become another source of unity in the UP community. We welcome the entry of Doc Obet and his players into the women’s team, but also to show that we are serious about competing in volleyball,” added UP OASD Director Bo Perasol.
UP will exit the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament and the hope is the same with WVT down the road starting with a Final Four bid this season since it last made it in 2017 led by current champions Isa Molde and Tots Carlos.
Since Ms. Dongallo and company are still working as a citizen, the responsibility will be on former Second Best Middle Blocker Niña Ytang and former UAAP MVP Kianne Olango and veterans Nica Celis and Irah Jaboneta, as well as juniors Yesha Noceja, Bienne Bansil and Kassy Doering. – John Bryan Ulanday
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