Pastrana Leads UST's Championship Resurgence as Tigresses Reclaim UAAP Crown

MANILA, Philippines – Following a shock Game 1 setback in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball finals—their first loss after dominating the elimination round with a pristine 14-0 record—UST’s Growling Tigresses regrouped with renewed determination. Coach Haydee Ong maintained her composed demeanor throughout extended training sessions, where the team refined their systems and synchronized their movements with meticulous precision.

Ong’s steady confidence proved warranted. The Tigresses stormed back to defeat NU in Games 2 and 3, ultimately capturing their second championship in three seasons. In the decisive Game 3 clincher, Pastrana delivered a stellar all-around performance with 16 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals, while Soriano contributed 10 points, 5 boards, and 6 assists. This championship marked another triumphant chapter for both players since joining forces in Season 86.

The Backbone of Success

“Kent and Eka represent the foundation of our program,” Ong explained after securing the title. “Their commitment transcends basketball—they lead with their hearts and inspire pride throughout the roster.”

The partnership between Pastrana and Soriano had transformed UST’s trajectory. When Pastrana transferred from La Salle following her residency year, the championship blueprint crystallized for the Tigresses. By Season 86, they toppled NU’s seven-year reign atop women’s basketball. However, Season 87 brought heartbreak—a finals loss that stung and motivated equally.

Entering Season 88, redemption consumed their focus. After sweeping the elimination phase, their Game 1 finals loss threatened to derail momentum. Yet Pastrana and Soriano refused to yield.

“Our years together at UST finally materialized into something tangible,” Pastrana reflected, who also claimed Finals MVP honors. “I wasn’t chasing individual accolades—only the championship mattered to me.”

Soriano emphasized the collective nature of their achievement: “We couldn’t accomplish this alone. Kent and I needed our entire squad. Every person here—players and coaches alike—contributed to this success.”

Building a Sustainable Dynasty

Ong attributes UST’s sustained excellence to their high school recruitment pipeline and player development philosophy. Stars like Karylle Sierba, Gin Relliquette, CJ Maglupay, and the Danganan twins emerged from UST’s youth program, challenging the conventional wisdom that championship rosters require expensive recruitment.

“When I arrived in 2016, budget constraints forced us to develop talent internally,” Ong noted. “That necessity became our greatest strength.”

With Pastrana and Soriano transitioning into new chapters beyond university basketball, Ong looks ahead to nurturing the next generation of Tigresses. “I’ll deeply miss Eka and Kent’s leadership both on and off the court. But our program will endure. Emerging players must rise and fill the void they leave behind. The culture they established will continue evolving, and Season 89 may showcase new champions carrying forward their legacy.”

The Pastrana-Soriano era at UST has concluded, yet the foundation they solidified promises sustained competitiveness for years ahead.