The UAAP Season 87 Women’s Basketball wars have kicked off, and the defending champion University of Santo Tomas is making waves with a perfect 3-0 start to their campaign.
At the heart of UST’s impressive run is reigning UAAP Athlete of the Year, Kent Pastrana.
Her standout performances against University of the East, Ateneo, and Adamson have propelled the Tigresses to the top of the standings.
During this stretch, Pastrana averaged 16.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game.
UST dominated its first two opponents before narrowly defeating Adamson on Sunday to remain unbeaten.
Her stellar play earned her the Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Women’s Player of the Week award for the period of September 7 to 15.
The 24-year-old forward expressed her commitment to leading by example, having taken on a leadership role for the Tigresses.
“Oo, meron talagang nagbago [sa mindset.] Unang una yung maturity talaga kasi yun nga sinasabi sa akin palagi ni coach ikaw yung isa sa leader sa loob ng court, kailangan mag-set ka ng tone so kung ano iyong ipinapakita mo sa loob,” she shared.
“Lahat susunod talaga lalo na yung mga bata kasi yun nga magseset ka ng good example sa loob ng court as a veteran,” she added.
Pastrana’s exceptional performances allowed her to surpass reigning women’s MVP Kacey dela Rosa of Ateneo, UP’s Louna Ozar, and NU’s Camille Clarin for this prestigious accolade.
