The Philippines earned its first-ever qualification for the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship, after dominant wins over Hong Kong and China at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Women’s Lacrosse Championship.
The Philippines made history on Tuesday, January 7 as it clinched its first-ever qualification for the World Lacrosse Women’s Championship.
The Philippine women’s national lacrosse team earned its spot in the prestigious tournament, after back-to-back dominant performances at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Women’s Lacrosse Championship, held in Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.
The Filipinas dismantled Hong Kong with a commanding 14-2 victory, following an equally dominant 15-3 win over China the previous day.
The unranked Philippine squad stunned the competition by defeating two world-ranked teams—Hong Kong at No. 16 and China at No. 19—showcasing their rapid rise in the sport.
From the opening whistle, the Filipinas took control against Hong Kong, maintaining an aggressive and disciplined approach that left their northern neighbors reeling.
With their qualification, the Philippines joins Chinese Taipei and host nation Australia in the World Lacrosse Women’s Championship, which is set to take place in Tokyo, Japan, next year.
While the ticket to the global stage is secured, the team’s mission in the Asia-Pacific qualifiers isn’t over yet. They are set to face powerhouse Australia later today in a highly anticipated matchup.
The full roster of the Philippine Lacrosse Team includes: Olivia Pugh, Kaitlynn Lazaro, Caroline Roxas, Ria Lagdameo, Abigail Beattie, Kaila Stasulli, Daryl Coss, Andrea Macalalad, Sarah Nelson, Kylie Yap, Lizzie de Guzman, Bailey Truex, Cat Roxas, Carolyn Carrera, Nia Carrera. Mallory Ngitngit, Minka Martinez, and Cailey Canessa.