UAAP: Casiey Dongallo out for rest of Season 88 due to ACL injury

University of the Philippines standout Casiey Dongallo will miss the remainder of UAAP Season 88 after being diagnosed with a torn ACL and meniscus in her left knee.

Dongallo sustained the injury following an awkward landing in the first set of the UP Fighting Maroons match against Far Eastern University last Sunday.

Despite the setback, head coach Fabio Menta said Dongallo remains in good spirits as the team looks ahead to her recovery and potential return next year after surgery.

"She's in a great mood. I'm surprised she never felt the desperation. She came to the (next) game, she comes to our training, still smiling," Menta said in a release from the UP Office of Athletics and Sports Development.

"Now, we want to be optimistic. By late December or January next year, she'll be training again. Hopefully."

Menta added that other players are stepping up to fill the void, including Jelai Gajero, while veterans Joan Monares, Irah Jaboneta, and Nina Ytang continue to lead the squad.

"Casiey's a big loss, but the girls understand they need to do more now to compensate," Menta said. "The girls are okay. They're working and hopefully we find the right adjustments. We are preparing hard to do our best."

UP currently holds a 3–3 record in the standings.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News