Fil-Australian forward Erinn McAlary is eager to learn from University of Santo Tomas seniors Kent Pastrana and Eka Soriano as she works to secure a spot with the Golden Tigresses for the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament.
McAlary joined the team just a week ago and has already suited up for UST in its last two elimination-round games in the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Invitational Tournament.
The 18-year-old winger from Melbourne sees playing alongside — and competing against — standouts like Soriano and Pastrana as a crucial step in her development, helping her adapt to the level of competition in the UAAP.
“It’s very valuable. They’re both really amazing players. I’m so lucky to play with them because I feel like they can help me develop a lot. Just being able to train and play with them is very valuable,” McAlary told Tiebreaker Times.
Pastrana, a former UAAP Rookie of the Year and three-time Mythical Team member, and Soriano, the Season 82 MVP, were key figures in UST’s championship run in Season 86, ending the school’s title drought that stretched back to 2006.
(C) WMPBL Images
McAlary was also drawn to the Growling Tigresses’ program under head coach Haydee Ong, which played a significant role in her decision to join the España-based squad.
“I really like the program here. I knew a lot of the girls, and they’ve always been so nice to me. I’m also a big fan of Coach Haydee (Ong), so I’ve really wanted to play under her,” she said.
The 5-foot-8 forward caught Ong’s attention during the 2024 National Basketball Training Center (NBTC), where she was recruited alongside fellow Fil-Australian Naysa Tate.
Now, McAlary is using the WMPBL to familiarize herself with the Philippine brand of basketball while building chemistry with her new teammates.
“The adjustments are going well. I’ve been here for about a week, and we train every morning, so I’ve gotten used to the girls really quickly. I had my first WMPBL game last Wednesday, and it was definitely different from Melbourne, where I’m from,” said McAlary.
She made an immediate impact in her debut as a Growling Tigress, tallying 11 points on 4-of-9 shooting, including three triples, along with two rebounds, one assist, and four steals in UST’s 95-43 rout of Solar Home.
She followed that performance with five points, two rebounds, and one steal in UST’s dominant 96-46 victory over Cavite-TOL, securing their spot in the playoffs.
“Very fast, but by the end of the game, I had gotten used to it. Just like in training, I’m adjusting really well,” she said.
