By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Kent Jane Pastrana is stepping into her role as the new leader of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament.

Now in her second year with the team, the Negros Occidental’s Silay City native is taking over the leadership responsibilities left by her veteran teammates who graduated after Season 86.

Among the key players who graduated from the Growling Tigresses are Reynalyn “Tantoy” Ferrer and Angelina Villasin, the latter of whom hit the championship-clinching basket in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 86 finals against the Lady Bulldogs.

“Oo, meron talagang nagbago [sa mindset]. Unang una ‘yung maturity talaga kasi ‘yun nga sinasabi sa akin palagi ni coach [Haydee Ong] na ako ‘yung isa sa leader sa loob ng court,” Pastrana said.

“Kailangan ko talaga mag-set ng tone sa loob [ng court],” she said.

“Lahat susunod talaga lalo na ‘yung mga bata kasi magse-set ka ng good example sa loob ng court as a veteran,” she added.

The 24-year-old Pastrana showcased her leadership in the UAAP Season 87 opening week, averaging 16.7 points, eight rebounds, 3.3 assists, two steals, and 1.3 blocks across three games, earning Player of the Week honors.

Pastrana and the Growling Tigresses will aim to extend their winning streak as they face the Lady Bulldogs in a rematch of the Season 86 finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, September 21./ASC, WDJ