By MARK REY MONTEJO
Up against a powerhouse nation, the Philippine women’s lacrosse team blinked and fell to Australia, 14-5, at the close of the group elims in the 2025 Asia-Pacific Lacrosse Championship at the Sunshine Coast Stadium in Queensland Wednesday, Jan. 8.
Coming off inspiring wins over China and Hong Kong, the Nationals did well early on, but when the Aussies got their offensive rhythm they crumbled, allowing the world No. 4 nation to complete a three-game sweep of Group A elims.
With their defeat, the Nationals will have to face Group B topnotcher Japan in the semis on Friday.
The Japanese likewise won all their three matches in the elims.
No matter what happens in the semis, the Nationals have already made history by earning a berth 2026 World Championship in Tokyo, Japan.
There, they will be ranged against powerhouse teams in the likes of the United States, Canada, England and 12 other elite nations.
The other semis pair features the Australians against Chinese Taipei (2-1).
The title clash and battle for third game are set Saturday, Jan. 11.
For a while, the Nationals looked up to the challenge when the game was tied at 2-2. But the Aussies intensified their attack, and the game was practically over as they strung up four goals in the second quarter that set the tone for their runaway win.
