UAAP women’s basketball stars. Photos from UAAP Media.MANILA — Women’s basketball is set to take center stage in UAAP Season 88 on Wednesday.
Following the conclusion of some of the UAAP stars’ respective campaigns with Gilas Pilipinas Women’s, their division will finally open at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion, with Ateneo de Manila University battling University of the East, and University of the Philippines going up against Adamson University.
The scheduling adjustment was done due to the Nationals’ FIBA 3x3 Under-23 World Cup stint last week, with Ateneo’s Kacey Dela Rosa, Adamson’s Elaine Etang and Cheska Apag, and National University’s Tin Cayabyab competing for the country.
Aside from halfcourt action, the likes of Kent Pastrana of UST, Cielo Pagdulagan and Angel Surada of NU, and Louna Ozar of UP also saw action in the 2025 Asia Cup with Dela Rosa earlier this year, with Gilas maintaining their sport in Division A after a 6th-place finish.
For Pastrana, the Golden Tigresses’ team captain, their National team duties not only elevated their game as it also paved the way for the further development of their sport.
“Sa experience ko sa Gilas, sobrang dami nang sumusuporta sa women’s basketball,” the graduating ace said. “Doon ko naramdaman na iba na yung level, at tumaas na yung women’s basketball natin.”
Pastrana is looking to lead UST to redemption, with their Season 87 Finals loss to NU fueling her this year.
Aside from reclaiming the crown from the Lady Bulldogs, the 5-foot-7 guard is also motivated to be among the players who can inspire others in pushing the game forward through her play in Season 88.
“Yung nararamdaman ko, hindi siya pressure eh,” shared Pastrana. “Excited kaming maglaro kasi mas marami na yung sumusuporta, mas marami na yung sumisikat na players, at mas lumalabas na yung laro ng players kasi mas marami nang opportunities.”
After all, while battle for supremacy will always be what drives the league’s competition year by year, taking part in elevating women’s basketball remains the common denominator for member schools.
“Yung programs ng lahat ng UAAP schools, mas lalong tumaas,” said Pastrana. “So hopefully mas gumanda pa lalo this Season 88.”
Ateneo and UE will start the Season 88 women’s tournament tomorrow at 12:00 p.m., while UP and Adamson will be the day’s main offering at 7:00 p.m.
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