THERE is newfound light at the end of the tunnel for six former University of the East women’s volleyball players who were dismissed from the team earlier this month.
Frank Lao-backed Strong Group Athletics (SGA) pledged to cover the tuition fees and provide food and dormitory allowances for seniors Kayce Balingit, Tin Ecalla and Keshia Famulagan to still finish their studies in UE despite being stripped from the team.
READ: How a chaotic transition boiled over at UE Lady Warriors camp
A meeting with Lao and the six players took place on Tuesday to affirm the former’s continued support even after SGA’s exit as a sponsor of the UE women’s volleyball team.
“This meeting just took place specifically to discuss boss Frank [Lao]’s assistance. It is a fact confirmed by the players themselves,” a source, who requested anonymity, told SPIN.ph.
Balingit, now in her fifth year with UE, plans to pursue a master’s degree after being axed from the team.
A university source said that the 5-foot-7 outside hitter ‘still strongly feels the spirit to continue due to a strong urge to play for the white-and-red.’
Fourth-year student-athletes Ecalla and Famulagan are both two semesters away from completing their undergraduate degrees.
Meanwhile, the three dismissed rookies in Roan Enriquez, Honey Lorono and Lauritz Ginoo were given full athletic scholarships and benefits as they transfer to new schools to continue their college volleyball careers.
The six players along with former interim head coach Allan Mendoza and his staff were removed from the team in a surprise post-season overhaul.
Allegations of maltreatment, abuse and financial negligence also surfaced, which the University has since denied in its clarificatory statement.
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