University of Santo Tomas star Brigette Santos in UAAP Season 88. UAAP Media.MANILA — University of Santo Tomas enters UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball with a new-look leadership group after losing key veterans Kent Pastrana and Eka Soriano, but the Growling Tigresses remain confident in their chances of defending their crown.
Brigette Santos, who is taking on a bigger leadership role this season, believes the Tigresses still have enough pieces to stay competitive despite the departure of their former leaders.
“Very confident pa rin naman kasi may mga naiwan kami na maaasahan pa rin. Kompleto pa rin naman kami kahit na lumabas na ‘yung big factor which is ate Kent and ate Eka,” Santos said.
Santos also pointed to the consistency of Pastrana and Soriano as leaders, particularly their ability to keep their emotions in check during games, as qualities she wants to carry into her own leadership.
As a new leader, Santos said she is still adjusting to the responsibility of guiding the younger players while learning how to remain strong for the team.
“As a new leader na parang ina-adjust ko pa ‘yung sarili ko para sa mga bata. Like kung paano ko ma-maintain ‘yung sarili ko na maging strong,” she said.
Head coach Haydee Ong acknowledged the significance of losing Pastrana and Soriano but expects her veterans, including Santos, Agatha Bron, and Rachel Ambos, to step up as fresh faces enter the fray.
The Tigresses will welcome new reinforcements, including NCAA Division I recruit Kayla Williams, Fil-Australian Naysa Tate, and Grachelle Boteros, who is moving up to the senior ranks.
UST's transition is also supported by continuity from its high school program, with assistant coach Arsenio Dysangco handling the championship-winning UST Girls team.
Among those products are Barby Dajao, Jaja Pescador, Gin Reliquette, Karylle Sierba, CJ Maglupay, Coi, Kai Danganan, and Breana Pineda.
“Very important na pag-akyat ng mga players from high school to college, hindi na masyado ‘yung adjustment nila. So, it's a very good program for us sa women's basketball,” Ong said.
The Tigresses head into Season 89 carrying the momentum of a dominant Season 88 campaign, when they went unbeaten at 14-0 in the elimination round before reclaiming the championship against the NU Lady Bulldogs.
READ: UST women triumph over National U to clinch Season 88 crown
Despite the changes to their roster, Santos admitted that UST's title defense will not be without uncertainty, especially with several teams also bringing in new players.
“Confident naman [kami] pero di pa natin alam kasi siyempre may mga new teams din na very competitive. May mga bagong players din mga na-add so we'll see,” Santos said.
The Growling Tigresses will begin their championship defense against the UE Lady Warriors on Saturday, September 26, at the Mall of Asia Arena.