Head coach Haydee Ong described Kent Pastrana and Eka Soriano as “heaven sent” for UST, with the graduating duo ending their UAAP careers as champions with the Growling Tigresses in Season 88.
It was a perfect send-off for UST’s graduating seniors Kent Pastrana and Eka Soriano—and none could be happier than head coach Haydee Ong.
Fresh off reclaiming the UAAP women’s basketball crown after winning the Season 88 Finals against NU, Ong reflected on how the two leaders found their way to España.
The multi-titled coach called both players “heaven sent” as they closed their collegiate careers as UST champions.
“Si Kent naman eh, I was recruiting her nung nasa Silay pa siya and dream school niya ‘yung La Salle. But came the pandemic, meron nangyaring problema sa La Salle. Tumawag siya sa akin na lilipat siya sa UST,” Ong shared.
“Kay Eka ganun din naman. I think heaven sent nga sinasabi ko even before.”
Pastrana, named the Finals MVP, previously suited up for DLSU, while Soriano was initially bound for FEU before an accidental tryout led her to UST — two detours that ultimately shaped the Tigresses’ championship core.
Kent Pastrana and Eka Soriano couldn't contain their emotions after steering UST to the UAAP Season 88 title. | Photo: UAAP
“Lahat ng mga nire-recruit ko na players sa UST, some hindi pumupunta samin, I wish them well. ‘Yung iba naman pupunta samin. I think lahat ng recruit ko sa UST are always heaven sent,” Ong added.
“Unless siyempre may mga players na umaalis din sa program but again, ‘yung mga nagsta-stay samin sa UST are all heaven sent.”
A championship farewell
UST fittingly capped its dominant season in convincing fashion, overpowering National University, 79–64, in the winner-take-all Game 3 of the UAAP Season 88 Finals on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The win delivered the Growling Tigresses’ 13th UAAP title and their second championship in the last three years.
Sure enough, it was Pastrana and Soriano who led the way, combining for 26 points to help UST reclaim the throne after falling short in Season 87.
Finding the next cornerstone
While the championship softened the blow of goodbye, Ong admitted that the challenge now shifts to rebuilding leadership within the program.
“Of course, mahirap especially every time na may umaalis like sina Tantoy, sina Tacky, ‘yan ‘yung mga mami-miss mo sa mga players—’yung impact nila as a player and as a leader sa loob ng team,” she said.
“Mami-miss ko si Eka, mami-miss ko si Kent, and life must go on, the program must go on.”
Ong made it clear that the expectation remains the same for those who stay behind.
“Kailangan mag-step up ng mga maiiwan kung sino ngayon ang magfi-fill sa shoes nila Kent and Eka. We will still grow and hopefully come Season 89 may bagong Kent Pastrana and Eka Soriano na magfi-fill sa shoes nila.”
UST will still have Brigette Santos, Karylle Sierba, Rachel Ambos, and Oma Onianwa for Season 89.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.