Pastrana and Soriano Lead UST's Championship Resurgence After Devastating Game 1 Setback

The UST Growling Tigresses faced an unexpected reckoning when they fell in the opening game of the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball finals—their first blemish after a flawless 14-0 elimination run. Rather than fracture under pressure, the squad responded with intensified preparation, extending training sessions and sharpening tactical execution under the steady guidance of coach Haydee Ong.

Ong’s quiet confidence proved justified. Two pivotal performances from graduating stars Eka Soriano and Kent Pastrana fueled UST’s comeback, culminating in a title-clinching Game 3 victory over NU that delivered the Tigresses their second championship in three seasons.

Soriano and Pastrana Deliver When It Matters Most

In the decisive Game 3 matchup, Pastrana orchestrated a complete performance: 16 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals. Soriano complemented her partner’s dominance with 10 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds. The dual impact proved overwhelming for the Lady Bulldogs, and Pastrana’s Finals MVP honor reflected her overall importance to UST’s playoff run.

“Kent and Eka are my cornerstones,” Ong reflected after hoisting the trophy. “Without them, it would be nearly impossible to reach this level. They played for each other with genuine pride and heart.”

Built on Shared Sacrifice and Team Culture

The championship represented the culmination of years invested together. Soriano had arrived as a defensive anchor following her UAAP Season 85 MVP campaign, while Pastrana completed her residency after transferring from La Salle ahead of Season 86. That combination immediately clicked, powering UST to their first title in nearly a decade and halting NU’s lengthy reign atop women’s basketball.

Season 87 tested their resolve—a heartbreaking finals loss to the same Lady Bulldogs that stung for months. The duo entered Season 88 determined to erase that memory, and their 14-0 elimination record suggested redemption was within reach.

Pastrana emphasized the collaborative foundation underlying the team’s success: “My only goal was never the Finals MVP. I wanted the championship. We only got here because everyone contributed—my teammates improved daily, the coaches pushed us, and we all grew together, even if it was just 1% or 2% each day.”

Soriano echoed that sentiment: “We couldn’t have done this alone. I told Kent repeatedly—we need the whole team. Everyone worked incredibly hard here, both on the court and behind the scenes.”

The Program’s Long-Term Vision

Beyond the two stars, Ong highlighted how UST’s developmental pipeline sustained their consistent excellence. Young talents like Karylle Sierba, Gin Relliquette, CJ Maglupay, and the Danganan twins flowed through the Tigresses’ high school feeder system, embodying the long-term player development philosophy Ong implemented upon her arrival in 2016.

“When I arrived, we didn’t have the recruitment budget others possessed,” Ong explained. “So we invested heavily in player development and nurturing high school talent. That strategy became our competitive advantage.”

She characterized Pastrana and Soriano as “heaven-sent” representatives of the program’s values—competitors willing to stay, sacrifice, and embrace the UST system rather than chase external opportunities.

A New Chapter Begins

With Soriano and Pastrana departing after their senior season, the Tigresses face the challenge of replacing irreplaceable leadership. Yet Ong remained optimistic about the program’s trajectory.

“I’ll miss them dearly, but the program must continue,” she said. “We need new players to step up and fill these shoes. Life moves forward, and so does UST basketball. I believe Season 89 will bring fresh stars who embody the same dedication and unity that made Kent and Eka champions.”

The 2024 championship reaffirmed a fundamental truth within the Tigresses’ organization: sustained excellence flows from collaborative culture, developmental patience, and players committed to the collective mission—a foundation that should sustain UST’s contention for seasons to come.