Haydee Ong had nothing but the highest praise for Kent Pastrana following the University of Santo Tomas’ 71-59 triumph over Adamson University in the stepladder semifinals, securing their spot in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Finals.
The 24-year-old winger is poised to earn her third selection to the Mythical Team after an exceptional elimination round.
She averaged 15.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, finishing as the runner-up to Most Valuable Player Kacey dela Rosa of Ateneo de Manila University.
Pastrana reinforced her status as one of the league’s best with a phenomenal performance in the do-or-die stepladder match against the Lady Falcons.
She delivered an all-around masterpiece, tallying 23 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and a block to power the Growling Tigresses into the Finals.
“Hulog ng Diyos. Matagal uli na magkakaroon ng ganitong player sa UAAP, like Kacey dela Rosa – ‘yung mga ganyang athlete,” said Ong about Pastrana.
“Hulog ng Diyos talaga. Actually, lahat naman ng players ko, every time nagre-recruit ako, talagang I’m just blessed na pinili nila ‘yung UST.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Pastrana’s remarkable journey began in Season 82 when she was still with De La Salle University. There, she earned a Mythical Team spot and the Rookie of the Year award in her debut year.
After transferring to UST, she continued her stellar play, netting another Mythical Team selection in Season 86.
Impressively, she has never missed the list throughout her UAAP career.
Despite the individual accolades, Pastrana remains humble, crediting her teammates and coaches for her success.
“Grateful and happy ako na binigyan ulit ako ng ganong opportunity na bigyan ng award. Siguro dahil din sa tiwala ng mga coaches sa akin and mga teammates ko,” said the UAAP Season 86 Athlete of the Year.
She admitted, “Kung hindi dahil sa kanila, hindi ko naman yun makukuha. Credits din sa mga kasama ko and sa coaches.”
Now, Pastrana and the Growling Tigresses aim to cap off another championship run as they prepare to face the National University Lady Bulldogs in the best-of-three Finals.
Last year, UST ended NU’s seven-season reign in UAAP women’s basketball, dethroning the Lady Bulldogs in a grueling three-game series.
Pastrana knows the stakes are high, but she’s ready for the challenge.
“Kailangan lang namin i-prove ‘yung sarili namin, i-prove ‘yung sarili namin sa supporters namin kung ano ‘yung nagawa namin last season. Gagawin namin kung anong dapat namin gawin,” said Pastrana.
“Gusto namin mag back-to-back.”
