By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippine women’s hockey team pulled off a nerve-wracking 3-2 victory over United Arab Emirates to stay perfect in the 2024 IHF Women’s Asia and Oceania Cup at the Bishkek Arena in Kyrgyzstan on Friday, March 29.
The Nationals picked up their third straight win in as many outings — thanks to forward Bianca Yasmine Cuevas, who steered the squad after drilling a penalty shot in the last period to earn a 3-1 lead and wasted the last ditch efforts coming from the Arabians.
UAE made a strong statement early in the match after Dana Alhosani fired a goal with just four minutes and 15 seconds past in the opening period.
But the Filipinas countered that attack as Cassia Marino leveled the score to end the first period, courtesy of a spectacular pass coming Danielle Lourdes Imperial and Eadrea Ham.
Things got well for the Philippines with Marino ran a break and assisted Imperial for their second goal, 2-1, with under two and a half minutes remaining in the second period.
UAE remained unbothered as it scored its final goal in the waning minutes coming from Christine Naas, 3-2, who was called for a closing hand on puck that resulted in the officials rewarding a penalty shot to Filipina Cuevas to seal the victory for the Nationals.
The Nationals also stamped their class over host Kyrgyztan (7-4), and India (7-0).
The Philippines will test its mettle in its final preliminary round game against fellow undefeated Iran on Saturday, March 30.
