Philippine women’s lacrosse team bags historic bronze medal

MAKING history in the first month of the year, the Philippine women’s lacrosse team finished their maiden season in the Asia Pacific Women’s Lacrosse Championship with a bronze medal. 

The Philippines made a good debut, capturing the bronze medal with a convincing performance against the Chinese Taipei, 18-6 this weekend at Australia’s Sunshine Coast Stadium. 

Despite successive painful losses to Australia (14-5) in the pool round and Japan (13-4) in the semifinals, the national squad managed to recover admirably, not wanting to go home empty handed.

Setting the Tone

Steph Lazo, the team’s playing coach, was able to establish a tone early in the first quarter. The intense attacking pressure allowed them to score four unanswered goals, capitalizing on Taiwan’s mistakes. 

Chinese Taipei had closed the difference to 5-3 with five minutes remaining in the first half, but Ria Lagdameo restored the Nationals’ three-goal lead with her second goal of the game. 

The Philippines broke away in the third period with a 6-1 run, extending their lead to 12-4 and virtually putting the game out of reach. The Nationals maintained their defensive and offensive until the victory was secured.

Lazo led the charge with five goals, while Sarah Nelson added two goals and an assist. Lagdameo added two goals of her own, while Kalena Johnson and Nia Carrera both scored two. 

A year of firsts

It can be remembered that the Philippine lacrosse team made history on Tuesday, January 7, by clinching their first-ever qualification for the 2026 World Women’s Lacrosse Championships.

Putting additional emphasis on this feat, the bronze medal finish serves as a stepping stone and momentum for their maiden appearance in the World Championships next year.

“This is absolutely everything. From the very start of the tournament to the very end, we stuck together. We adapted, adjusted, and this means so much for our country,” said playing coach Lazo.

“This is just the beginning. We truly believe in the process, we believe in each other, and this is just the start of the future for Philippine women’s lacrosse,” she added.

The Philippines women’s national lacrosse team will look to build on this momentum and carry the valuable lessons they had entering the 2026 World Women’s Lacrosse Championship that will be held in Japan.