Ong: Tigresses will come back stronger

MANILA, Philippines —  A championship followed by a runner-up finish could just be the beginning for the Santo Tomas Tigresses.

Head coach Haydee Ong encouraged her wards to keep their heads up on the heels of a heartbreaking defeat in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball finals and shift their eyes to a serious redemption next year.

“Unfortunately, we fell short, but I am so proud of my girls for this season,” said Ong.

“We’re looking forward to next season. Maraming possibilities and maraming opportunities for us to come back stronger.”

Santo Tomas ended National U’s seven-year reign in Season 86 for its first title in 17 years but fell short from defending its crown with a 78-73 loss in Game 3 over the weekend at the jampacked Smart Araneta Coliseum.

For Ong, nothing was lost though as Tigresses proved their mettle as a title contender for the years ahead and stayed at par with the once unbeatable NU program.

“With regards kung nasaan na kami against NU, I think na nandoon talaga ‘yung programa ng UST to be competitive every season and I’m so proud of that,” said Ong, who turned the Tigresses into a consistent Final Four squad now with back-to-back finals appearances.

But more than that, Ong takes pride and honor in being part of the rise of women’s basketball starring her very own Santo Tomas against the gold standard that is NU.

One indication was the growing crowd of women’s basketball, especially in the finale on top of the heated competition marked by back-to-back three-game series only decided in the final seconds.

“Happy ako because of the impact that we’ve created with the UST-NU rivalry for the women’s community. Now that UST and NU have set the bar for women’s basketball, all of the schools as well are doing the same thing in uplifting their programs,” beamed Ong.