The Philippine women’s lacrosse team couldn't hold on with the momentum and ultimately lost its steam, yielding to Japan, 13-4, in the semifinal round of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Lacrosse Championship at the Sunshine Coast Stadium in Queensland, Australia Friday, Jan. 10.

The unranked and debuting Nationals scored two quick goals within a minute courtesy of Ria Lagmadeo and Steph Lazo but the Japanese quickly rebounded and proved why they are the world No. 5 team as they seized a 5-3 separation going into the break then continued with the onslaught in the next two frames 

Though it lost to Japan, the mission is not yet over for the Philippines as it has a chance for a possible podium finish when the Filipinas face Chinese Taipei in the bronze medal match this Saturday, Jan. 11.

For the main event, Japan challenges fellow unbeaten squad and No. 4 Australia, which rolled past Taipei (24-3) in the semis on the same day.

No matter what the outcome is, the Philippines, aside from its impressive debut, secured its ticket in theTokyo 2026 World Championship where it challenges top-notch countries and is headlined by the United States, Canada, and England.