For some athletes, wearing the national colors is a destination. For Casiey Dongallo and Bienne Bansil, it feels more like the next responsibility.
Strong Group’s latest additions to the Alas Pilipinas Women pool bring more than collegiate credentials and highlight reels — they bring a familiar story of UP players stepping into something bigger than themselves.
The University of the Philippines standouts have committed to becoming full-time members of the national team during the club season, a move that strengthens the country’s long-term vision with eyes already set on the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship in 2029.
Dongallo, the dynamic outside hitter who became one of UAAP volleyball’s most feared scorers after transferring to Diliman, is still on the road back from a knee injury. But even before she returns to full form, her name continues to carry weight.
“She will be starting practice as soon as the doctor allows,” the source shared.
Should she regain full fitness, Dongallo adds another attacking option capable of changing games with her explosiveness and scoring instinct — traits that made her one of the most talked-about transfers in recent memory.
Bansil, meanwhile, arrives with a different story but the same destination.
OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.
DONGALLO, BANSIL TO ALAS
UP’s Casiey Dongallo and Bienne Bansil have both been included to Alas Pilipinas Women’s pool, https://t.co/lXpLd8gYBb has learned. #AlasPilipinas @spinph pic.twitter.com/kk7EZzxllb
— John Mark Garcia (@johnmarkdg_) May 31, 2026
The former NU-Nazareth School standout and UAAP girls champion now finds herself earning another chance to represent something larger than any program.
After fulfilling her remaining academic obligations, the 5-foot-11 middle blocker is expected to report to national team training and continue building on the foundation that already made her a standout at the collegiate level.
What makes the development even more interesting is how it reflects UP’s growing footprint in the national program.
With Dongallo and Bansil joining forces alongside names like Tots Carlos and Niña Ytang, Diliman’s influence continues expanding beyond the UAAP and into the country’s rebuilding volleyball identity.
They represent different positions, different timelines, and different journeys.
But together, they embody something that has long been attached to the Iskolar ng Bayan — athletes who see competition not just as performance, but as service.
And as Alas looks further ahead than just one tournament cycle, the next generation is already beginning to answer the call.
Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!
Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.
Leave a Reply