FRESH OFF their historic title-clinching campaign last year, the UST Growling Tigresses are set to climb a much steeper hill in the UAAP Season 89, following the departures of co-captains Kent Pastrana and Eka Soriano.
Now headlined by senior guard Brigette Santos, the newly-appointed team captain remains firm in the Espana-squad’s championship pedigree, despite a large hole left on offense by their two former leaders.
“We’re still very confident, because we still have players that we can lean on… We’re still complete even if our big factors already left, which were Kent and Eka,” Santos told The Flame.
Entering her fifth season with UST, Santos acknowledged the consistent leadership and composure of Pastrana and Soriano during games, and underscored the ongoing process of adjusting to a new role entering her final year.
“I liked their consistency, and how they were able to maintain their emotions during games,” Santos said.
“As a new leader, I’m still adjusting myself for the team… I think that’s the challenge that I’m facing this season,” the floor general added.
Entering her 10th year of coaching the Tigresses, lead tactician Haydee Ong highlighted much larger roles that Santos and the rest of the veterans must carry this season in order to replicate the same prowess last season.
“It’s time for them to step up, especially my veterans like Brigette, [Avril] Bron, and [Rachelle] Ambos, they’ll be hearing a different voice as a leader this Season 89,” Ong said.
“Every player will give a different role this year… The veteran’s leadership is a plus. Hopefully we’ll still be as competitive as Season 88,” she added.
UST will begin its title defense against the UE Lady Warriors on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Mall of Asia Arena. F
