IPINAGLULUKSA ng Philippine women’s basketball community ang maagang pagpanaw ni Gilas Youth girls standout at National University Nazareth School stalwart Ashlyn Abong nitong nakalipas na Biyernes sa edad na 18.

Inihayag ni Gilas Women program director Pat Aquino sa isang online report ang pagkamatay ni Abong matapos mag-collapsed habang nasa ensayo sa NUNS gym.

Tinangka pa ng medical team ng paaralan na ma-revive si Abong at isugod sa hospital, subalit nabigo sila.

“Rest well, Ashlyn. We will miss you. My sincere condolences to the family,” pahayag ni Aquino patungkol kay Abong, na naglaro pa sa FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B at nakatakda sanang magtapos ng high school sacsymusunod na buwan.

“Quiet, kind, and strong — that was Ash. She may not have said much, but she always said hi first. That small act meant everything. It showed her heart — gentle, thoughtful, and always looking out for others,” pagsasaad ng Gilas Pilipinas women’s team sa kanilang social media accounts.

“Ash, your jersey was #21, but to us, you were one of one. On and off the field you gave everything. We’ll miss your smile, your warmth, and the quiet strength you brought into every room and every game. We are very proud of you.” “Ashlyn was a light within the NU Nazareth School community. A kindhearted soul, a committed student, and a proud member of NUNS Girls’ Basketball team, who embodied Nazalian excellence, discipline, and heart. This July, she was set to graduate, prepared to face the world with the same strength and grace that had made her a sports and life champion,” pahayag naman ng NUNS sa kanilang Facebook account.

“You will always be my pride and joy, bong. I’m thankful for the opportunity to have seen you grow and mature the past years with NU not just as an athlete but most importantly, as a person,” wika ng kanyang high school coach Camille Escoto.

Ang Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League at UAAP have ay nagpa-abot na din ng kanilang pakikiramay.