Kent Pastrana did not need to suit up for the UAAP Season 88 Women’s 3×3 Basketball Tournament for University of Santo Tomas.
After all, she already captured the 5-on-5 crown just five months ago, while her batchmate Eka Soriano is now competing in the WMPBL for Biñan-Tatak Gel.
Still, Pastrana feels there is unfinished business — and her final goal is not only to reclaim the women’s 3×3 title for UST but also to pass on her experience to the next generation of Tigresses.
“Sobrang happy ako kasi puro rookie yung kasama ko ngayon at ako lang senior,” said the 25-year-old, multiple-time UAAP Elite Team member.
“Sobrang happy ako sa performance ng mga kasama ko kasi pinakita nila na gusto nilang manalo at binigay nila yung best nila. Yun yung sabi ko rin sa sarili ko na as a senior, team effort pa rin.”
Pastrana is joined in the 3×3 tournament by Brigette Santos, Coi Danganan, and Erinn McAlary.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
So far, UST remains unbeaten at 3-0 after dominant wins over Ateneo, Adamson, and FEU, making them the only undefeated team in the field.
For Pastrana, delivering another title for Haydee Ong would be a fitting capstone to her stellar collegiate career.
“Nag-promise ako kay Coach Haydee na tatapusin ko hangga’t may playing year pa ako at hangga’t kaya pa,” said Pastrana, who is gunning for her fourth UAAP title.
“Thankful talaga ako kay Coach Haydee na binigyan pa niya ako ng chance na makapaglaro rito sa 3×3.”
With four days of competition still remaining, Pastrana knows the road will only get tougher.
That is why she is keeping things in perspective, treating their early victories as just stepping stones toward the bigger goal.
“Focus lang kami sa goal namin at one game at a time lang. Kung ano lang yung kalaban, doon lang kami naka-focus,” she said.
“And pagtatrabahuan pa namin ito at madami pang puwedeng mangyari bago makuha yung goal namin.”
