AFTER steering the UST Growling Tigresses to their 74-72 victory over UP in their second-round opener, Kent Pastrana is prepared to embrace the leadership responsibilities entrusted to her by her team.
Pastrana acknowledged that taking on an increasingly significant leadership role presents a substantial challenge for her in her UAAP comeback.
“Sobrang challenge sa akin ‘yung leadership kasi it’s been years na nawala ako sa UAAP,” she said. “Sobrang blessing sa akin na dumating si coach Haydee [Ong] kasi binigyan niya ako ng chance na ipakita kung ano ‘yung laro ko.”
“Kailangan ko mag-take charge as a leader din kasi yung sabi ko sa kanya, lahat gagawin ko hanggang makakaya ko. Bibigyan ko siya ng panalo. Every game, gagawin ko lahat para sa kanya at sa UST community.”
Pastrana served her year-long residency period in Season 85 after transferring from the DLSU Lady Archers during the off-season of Season 84.
And it was worth the wait.
Pastrana exploded for 25 points and posted 50 percent on nine field goals made out of 18 attempts to start UST’s second-round campaign. She also had six rebounds, one steal, and one block.
She is currently the second-best scorer in the league, averaging 19.6 points in eight games.
Pastrana said she felt elated by individual recognition yet she does not pay much attention as she hopes for more team achievements.
“Sobrang happy and blessed din pero wala naman sa akin ‘yung pag-iisip sa mga awards na ‘yon. Iba kasi yung goal ko e. Gusto ko ‘yung team goal na gusto kong makamit.”
Pastrana is third in the MVP race with 76.1 statistical points, behind Ateneo’s Kacey de la Rosa and Josee Kaputu who are first and second with 85 and 81.1 statistical points, respectively.
The UST Growling Tigresses will next face the DLSU Lady Archers at the same venue on Sunday, Oct. 29, at 9 a.m. Jose Gabriel V. Ignacio
