By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippine women’s lacrosse team opened the year with a bang, scoring stunning wins over fancied teams in the Asia-Pacific Lacrosse Championship at the Sunshine Coast Stadium in Queensland, Australia.
Despite being relatively new in the sport, the Nationals used their speed and smarts to dismantle China, 15-3, before crushing Hong Kong, 14-2, to secure their spot in the prestigious 2026 World Championship in Tokyo, Japan.
It was an impressive showing for the lacrosse team in the 6-day event considering the Nationals are unranked in the global list.
Hong Kong and China, on the other hand, are currently ranked No. 16 and 19, respectively.
Leading the PH’s offense were Caroline Roxas, Andrea Macalalad, Steph Lazo, Lizzie De Guzman, and Minka Martinez who awed their rivals with their creative plays.
The team is also composed of Ria Lagmadeo, Sarah Nelson, Kalen Johnson, Bailey Truex, Cat Roxas, Nia Carrera, Mallory Ngitngit, Olivia Pugh, Kaitlynn Lazaro, Kaila Stasuli, Daryl Coss, Kylie Yap, Carolyn Carrera, Cailey Canessa and Abigail Beattie.
The Filipinas will battle crowd-favorite Australia Wednesday night, Jan. 8.
The Philippines is trying to earn valuable experience in the coming years as the sport is included in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The Americans, Canadians and Aussies have long been considered the top guns of the sport.
