WITH ONLY a best-of-three finals series left in their UAAP journeys, UST veterans Kent Pastrana and Eka Soriano are embracing every moment as the Growling Tigresses gear up for another clash against the NU Lady Bulldogs.
Pastrana said the Tigresses have been more united than ever as they enter the biggest match of their campaign.
“We’re always bonding with our teammates because we’re treasuring every moment we’re together on the court,” Pastrana told The Flame.
Co-captain Soriano also shared that simple post-training rituals — having dinner together every night, taking turns cooking and going to the market — have become the team’s strongest glue this season.
But as the final curtain call draws closer, the weight of the moment is starting to settle in. The duo hopes that their last dance ends with the championship returning to España.
“We can feel that the season is coming to an end. Hopefully, our ending this season will be better,” Pastrana said.
“We always tell each other to give everything because after this year, we are not here anymore,” she added.
Soriano, who has been with UST since 2018, admitted that the emotions hit them after the Tigresses swept the elimination round for the first time.
“Kent and I were emotional because we only have two or three games left, and I’m happy that we get to be part of that history,” Soriano said.
The Tigresses are set to face their finals tormentors, the NU Lady Bulldogs, for the third straight year in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball championship on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
As they prepare to depart the Tigers’ lair, Soriano expressed confidence that the next generation of Tigresses would continue the program’s growing legacy.
“I believe those who will come after us will take care of this team and will not let all our hard work go to waste,” she said. F
