By: Nicole Gonzales
University of Santo Tomas team captain Kent Pastrana will play her final season in UAAP Season 88 — and she hopes to close it out with a bang.
Last season, Pastrana was once again named to the UAAP Mythical Team, but the Growling Tigresses fell short of retaining their title, losing to archrivals National University Bulldogs.
“Kailangan talaga namin makabawi at makuha ulit ‘yung finals. Hopefully mas maganda ‘yung result namin this Season 88,” said Pastrana, who averaged 15.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.2 steals per game last year.
She shared that the team is brimming with excitement ahead of their first game this season. More than just a desire to bounce back from last season’s heartbreak, Pastrana and fellow graduating Tigress Eka Soriano expressed their sentiments as they enter their final year at UST.
“Sa akin, sobrang excited ako. Ine-enjoy ko na lang last playing year ko kasi sabi ko nga sa sarili ko, ‘Bigay ko na lahat para sa UST, para sa mga tao,’” Pastrana said.
“Normal naman na may pressure kasi ‘yun nga, host kami ngayon and may goal kami na gustong makuha this season.”
As players like Tacky Tacatac concluded their collegiate careers last season, Pastrana and Soriano are also nearing the end of theirs, while new rookies are expected to strengthen the roster.
The seniors shared that the incoming players are ready to make an impact, and fans should keep an eye on them.
(C) WMPBL
“Si Oma [Onianwa], our FSA (Foreign Student-Athlete), si [Erinn] McAlary. And then, si Barby Dajao, MVP from high school girls division,” Soriano added.
While the rookies bring fresh energy, Pastrana’s leadership remains key.
The 25-year-old winger from Silay City vows to give her all in her final season with the Growling Tigresses.
“Sabi ko nga, yung promise ko talaga palagi sa mga tao na sumusuporta sa amin, ‘Ibibigay ko talaga yung best ko.’ And ayun, sabi ko, ‘Last playing year ko, ibibigay ko yung championship,’ and hopefully makuha namin ulit. Sana mas maraming sumuporta sa amin this season,” Pastrana said.
In her last season donning black, gold, and white, Pastrana aims to leave a lasting legacy in the amateur ranks.
“Legacy talaga sa UST na makilala nila ako, kung paano ako maglaro sa loob ng court, ‘yung heart ko, yung pride. Of course, paano ko na-inspire yung mga players din na katulad ko, and paano ako na-lead yung mga teammates ko.”
#WATCH: Eka Soriano looks to bring a championship home in her and Kent Pastrana’s final UST ride! 🐯🏀
📹 @nicolegonzal3s /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/Ymct7CRdkx
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 17, 2025
