UST women’s, girls basketball reign supreme in NBA 3x3 tournament
By Jerome Anhag
It was a fruitful Sunday for both the University’s girls and women’s basketball teams as they emerged champions of the NBA Philippines 3X3 girls U19 and women’s open division respectively, held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay, on March 26.
The said event saw the appearance of 2006 NBA champion and Sacramento Kings legend Jason Williams, who was known for his unique and eye-catching style of play in his playing years.
The Growling Tigresses, consisting of Ana Mae “Tacky” Tacatac, Kent Jane Pastrana, Catherine “Rocel” Dionisio, and Reynalyn Ferrer, delivered and withstood a fierce battle against a local powerhouse in Uratex Dream in the final round, securing a 21–16 victory.
Uratex Dream had a fierce lineup with №1 and №2-ranked players in the country Kristina Deacon and Kaye Pingol in their squad.
Tacatac, a member of the UAAP Season 85 women’s basketball Mythical Five, was named the women’s open division MVP.
In an exclusive interview with TomasinoWeb, Tacatac disclosed her style of play for the next season.
“For me, I have to improve my skills, kasi maraming players or coaches na nakakaalam na ng skills and strategies na mayroon ako. I have to improve more and prove to those people who don’t believe in me na magagawa ko ang ma-achieve ko,” Tacatac told TomasinoWeb.
Tacatac was one of the key players in the Growling Tigresses’ bronze medal finish this Season 85.
It also marked the return of Kent Pastrana after transferring from De La Salle University, where she was named UAAP Season 82’s Rookie of the Year and part of the Mythical Five.
In an interview with TomasinoWeb, Pastrana showed confidence that she can leap to greater heights with her newfound team in España.
“Dito ko ipapakita ‘yung talent ko, kung ano ang maitutulong ko para sa UST. Mapagkakatiwalaan ko ang coaches and teammates ko na kayang-kaya naming mag-champion this upcoming season,” the Silay City native said.
In the juniors division, the UST Junior Growling Tigresses, composed of Karylle Sierba, Gin Kayla Relliquette, Kyla Laylo, and Clarisse Visto, were triumphant as they downed the Adamson Baby Falcons, 21–8.
The 18-year old Sierba was hailed as the MVP of the girls U19 division.
“Sa 8 months po naming magkasabay sa training araw-araw, na-build na rin po ang chemistry namin sa team. We’re looking forward sa future games namin na mas lalo naming gagalingan at mag-communicate sa loob ng court,” Relliquette said when asked about the importance of team chemistry.
Under the helm of both the junior and senior Growling Tigresses is master tactician Haydee Ong, who is more than excited to bring back the women’s basketball crown to España for the next UAAP season.
After the Tigresses’ recently promising stint this Season 85, where they notched an 11–3 record that put them in third place, Ong believed that there is more to come for her squad.
Ong looks forward to the addition of returning Kent Pastrana and expects her to mesh well with the dynamic duo of Season 85 MVP Eka Soriano and fellow Mythical Five member Tacky Tacatac.
