Kent Pastrana couldn't have ended her UAAP career any better as she led the UST Growling Tigresses to the Season 88 title along with a Finals MVP plum.
Kent Pastrana’s decision to leave home and eventually play for the University of Santo Tomas came with sacrifices. But it also led to the most fulfilling chapter of her collegiate career.
Coming from Bacolod, Pastrana admitted that being away from her family was the toughest part of her UAAP journey with UST.
Still, the environment within the Growling Tigresses program helped her navigate that challenge.
“Number one syempre na sacrifice is yung malayo ako sa family ko kasi taga-probinsya yung family ko sa Bacolod,” Pastrana said.
“Dahil sa gabay ng coaches at mga teammates ko, hindi nila pinaramdam sa akin na malayo ako sa family ko. Pinaramdam nila sa akin na part ako ng family sa UST.”
[ALSO READ: Ong calls Pastrana, Soriano ‘heaven sent’ as UST reclaims UAAP women’s basketball crown]
Embracing the Growling Tigresses’ culture
Pastrana’s growth at UST went beyond the box score. Constant communication with head coach Haydee Ong and a collective commitment to improvement shaped her development as both a player and a leader.
“Dapat everyday, nagi-improve kahit one percent or two percent — kahit onti, basta merong improvement,” she said.
Kent Pastrana celebrates UST's UAAP Season 88 title with head coach Haydee Ong. | Photo: UAAP
As one of the team’s senior leaders alongside Eka Soriano, Pastrana embraced the responsibility of guiding a young roster through pressure-filled moments in UAAP Season 88.
“Kami palagi sumasalo ni Eka ng mga galit ni coach. ‘Yon yung tinatawag ng pamilya ‘eh — kapag ikaw yung matanda, ikaw sasalo yung problema ng mga bata,” Pastrana shared.
A fitting end to her UST career
Amid all her sacrifices, Pastrana’s journey with the Growling Tigresses ended in storybook fashion as she helped lead UST to a second UAAP title in three years.
The 25-year-old forward also capped her collegiate career with Finals MVP honors, averaging 13.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 3.8 steals across the three-game Finals series against NU.
In the winner-take-all Game 3, Pastrana had her best outing yet with 16 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and five steals.
“Sobrang nao-overwhelm ako kasi wala naman sa goal ko na makuha yung Finals MVP. Ang goal ko lang naman is makuha 'yung championship -- and ito na ‘yon,” she said.
“Thankful ako na binigyan ako ng another blessing ni God at thankful ako sa mga teammates ko.”
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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.