All news tagged ObetVital

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball world was shaken when the news broke out that some of the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors left the team, and made their transfer to the University of the Philippines, in the aftermath of coach Obet Vital’s resignation and reported transfer to UP, to go along Fighting Maroons head coach Benson Bocboc.

In a Scoreline.ph exclusive interview with these “FOURmer” UE Lady Warriors, Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, Kizzie Madriaga, and Shamel Fernandez shared their journey in going from one school to another.

The four women standout shared that the transition was not that smooth as they felt a lot of bashing about their decision to become part of the Fighting Maroons.

“Personally, I don't think the transition from UE to UP was smooth. Because, when the issue came out that I had to move, of course, everyone has their own opinion about the decision. So, yes, we felt bashing, like, why is it like this, why is it like that,” said Dongallo in Filipino.

“But, for me, I didn’t really bother to dwell on it because it won't help me in my future endeavors,” added the star rookie of the Lady Warriors last season.

Moving on is one of the things that humans occasionally find difficult to comprehend. However, in order to improve and flourish, one must either pursue change or just dwell in their comfort zone indefinitely.

The collegiate volleyball community was surprised to learn of the departure of Dr. Obet Vital from his post as University of the East Lady Red Warriors head coach to bring his vision and initiatives to the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons Women’s Volleyball Team.

But an even bigger revelation was followed by the transfer of California Academy standouts and former Lady Red Warriors Casiey Dongallo, Kizzie Madriaga, and Jelai Gajero to the Diliman school.

In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Coach Obet shared an optimistic outlook of the team’s trajectory and expressed enthusiasm for what lies ahead as they continue to evolve as a group and as individuals.

Leading a flock of talent-rich individuals would have been an easy task for a captain, but for someone guiding a team that is attempting to break into the Final Four of the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament, it would be a handful task.

It has been 43 years since the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons Women’s Volleyball Team emerged as victors in the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament. It would seem like a punch to the moon to even reach the Final Four as the squad last made it in 2017. 

It was a reminder for the newly-minted captain Dannica Celis that the trophy has been elusive for the Maroon school for four decades as their best-place finish has consistently been third.

As captain, Celis emphasizes that winning one game at a time is more important than reaching the Final Four. She acknowledges the long-standing gap since their championship win, and while it serves as motivation, her team's current approach is centered on gradual improvement and individual growth that will contribute to collective success.