PH men's lacrosse escapes Japan in OT, punches world champs ticket

January 9 ------ The Philippine men’s lacrosse team booked a spot in next year’s world championship after gutting out a 10-9 overtime win over Japan in the 2026 Asia-Pacific Men’s Lacrosse tournament in Wellington, New Zealand.

Down by three, 4-7, entering the halftime, the Nationals dug deep and fought back with five goals in the third frame, enough to force an overtime despite another two strikes from the Japanese to end the regulation at 9-9. In the extended period, Nicholas Marsh played hero and rose to the occasion after finding the net at the 75th minute mark to lift the Philippines to the 2027 World Championship set in Japan.

This would mark the third consecutive appearance of the PH squad since its debut in 2018 in Netanya, Israel where it finished 10th overall. “We get it done in double OT and punch our ticket to Japan!” the Philippines Lacrosse Association wrote on its social media post. Also, the Philippines, which previously bested Hong Kong and China, kept its record pristine with a 3-0 card to top Pool B and advance to the semifinal where it awaits for its next rival.

Japan, on the other hand, dropped to second while holding a 2-1, good for a play-in qualification and will battle either New Zealand or South Korea in the said stage. Jonathan Dugenio paced the Filipino bets with three goals and two assists, while Jayden Basalatan and Benjamin Palli chipped in two goals each. Aside from Nicholas, Chase Ladrido and Jarrett Dugenio also posted their respective conversions to boost the Nationals’ offensive rally.

Komine Takuma and Norita Hideki spearheaded the Japanese with two goals apiece with five of their teammates contributing as well in a losing cause. Meanwhile, Hong Kong bounced back and eliminated China, 17-2, to stay in the playoff hunt.

Source: mb.com.ph