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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider PH men's lacrosse team succumbs to Australia, cops silver in Asia-Pacific tiff

PH men's lacrosse team succumbs to Australia, cops silver in Asia-Pacific tiff

Published Jan 12, 2026 12:04 am

At A Glance

  • The Philippine men's lacrosse team refused to go down without a fight before bowing to Australia, 3-13, to settle for silver in the 2026 Asia-Pacific Men's Lacrosse Championship in Wellington on Sunday, Jan. 11.
Team Philippines bags historic silver in this year's Asia-Pacific Men's Lacrosse Championship. (Masanori Udagawa/ World Lacrosse)
Team Philippines bags historic silver in this year's Asia-Pacific Men's Lacrosse Championship. (Masanori Udagawa/ World Lacrosse)
The Philippine men’s lacrosse team refused to go down without a fight before bowing to Australia, 3-13, to settle for silver in the 2026 Asia-Pacific Men’s Lacrosse Championship in Wellington on Sunday, Jan. 11.
Entering the finale unscathed, the Nationals kept themselves within distance in the opening period but lost their footing over the next three frames, where the Australians shifted into a higher gear offensively while suffocating the Filipino bets on the defensive end.
Despite falling short to its gold-medal quest, it remained a historic stint for the Philippines as its silver medal marked its first-ever podium finish in the continental showpiece.
Also, the country is set for its third consecutive appearance on the global stage as it secured its spot in the 2027 World Championship in Japan, where the Japanese, the Australians, and the Kiwis were also qualified.
Australia, on the other hand, ended its 18-year title drought with its first crown since the 2007 edition held on its home soil in Auckland.
“Fought till the end. So incredibly proud of our guys, silver medalists and #2 in the Asia-Pacific,” the Philippines Lacrosse Association wrote on its social media post. “See you in Japan in 2027!”
Jayden Basalatan starred for the Filipinos with one goal and two assists off Nicholas Marsh and Christian Tacogue’s respective strikes, while leading the Aussies was John Stubbs and Matthew Wood with four and three goals, respectively.
Prior to their final loss to Australia, the Nationals swept their assignments in the eliminations after beating the likes of China (20-1), Hong Kong (9-4), and Japan (10-9) to earn an outright semifinal berth.
In the semis, the Philippines got the better of host New Zealand, 12-7, behind the superb outing from Benjamin Palli.
Meanwhile, Japan sealed its 10th consecutive podium with a bronze after beating New Zealand, 9-5, while Hong Kong bested China, 10-6, to hold the fitth spot in the conclusion of the six-day meet.
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