SUMAKABILANG-BUHAY na ang pambato ng Gilas Pilipinas Girls basketball team at National University Nazareth School Lady Bullpups na si Ashlyn Abong sa edad na 18 noong Biyernes.

Ang pagpanaw ni Abong ay inanunsiyo sa Facebook page ng Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Basketball kahapon ng umaga.

“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,” ayon sa kanilang post.

“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,” dagdag nito.

“Thank you for being our teammate, for being our pride, for being Ash. We play for you now. We carry your spirit in every step. Forever our teammate. Forever our #21. Forever Ash. ,” patuloy pa ng nasabing page.

Napag-alaman na nag-collapse si Abong habang nag-eensayo para sa kanyang paaralan noong Biyernes.

Sinubukan pang i-revive ng medical team ng NU si Abong at kalaunan ay isinugod sa ospital, ngunit pumanaw pa rin ito.

Ang 5-foot-11 na si Abong ay kabahagi ng NUNS Lady Bullpups team na tumapos na runner-up sa University of Santo Tomas Junior Growling Tigresses sa UAAP Season 87 Girls Basketball Tournament.

Sa nasabing season, nagtala si Abong ng double-double averages na 11.63 points at 10.38 rebounds kasama pa ang 1.63 assists kada laro.