How the Philippines Women’s Lacrosse Team Went from Underdogs to Record-Breakers

Photo Courtesy of Philippines National Women’s Team

2025 is off to an epic start for Filipino athletics! The Philippines Women’s Lacrosse team just made history, snagging the bronze medal at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Women’s Lacrosse Championship in Queensland, Australia. It’s not just their first women’s senior medal in an international lacrosse event—it’s also the first-ever medal for a Philippines field lacrosse program. Let that sink in.

The team’s journey wasn’t just about scoring goals or winning medals—it was about proving themselves on a global stage where they were considered underdogs. Competing against established lacrosse powerhouses like Japan and Hong Kong, the Filipinas showed resilience, grit, and exceptional teamwork. They weren’t just there to participate; they were there to dominate.

The Filipinas came out swinging in their tournament opener, demolishing China 15-3 in a game that sent a clear message to their competitors: this team means business. Kalena Johnson stole the spotlight with 5 points, delivering a performance worthy of MVP honors. Meanwhile, Steph Lazo showcased her scoring prowess with 4 goals, and Caroline Roxas landed a hat trick that sealed the deal. The game wasn’t just a win, it was a statement.

Game 2 brought even bigger fireworks. Facing Hong Kong, the Filipinas unleashed an incredible offensive display, racking up 14 goals while holding their opponents to just 2 scores. MVP Sarah Nelson led the charge with 4 goals, and Ria Lagdameo followed with a hat trick of her own. But the highlight of this victory wasn’t just the scoreline; it was what it represented. This win secured the Philippines’ spot in the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship in Japan, marking their first-ever appearance at the prestigious global tournament.

Their impressive run in the qualifiers earned them a semi-final showdown with tournament favorites, Japan. It was a hard-fought game, but the Filipinas fell short, losing 4-13. Despite the loss, the team didn’t let disappointment dampen their spirits. They knew they had one more shot at making history in the bronze medal match, and they were determined to seize it.

Facing Chinese Taipei for the bronze medal, the Filipinas delivered their most dominant performance yet, securing an 18-6 blowout victory. Steph Lazo was unstoppable, scoring 5 goals to lead her team to victory. Lizzie de Guzman and Cat Roxas also stepped up, each contributing 3 goals in what was a phenomenal team effort. This wasn’t just about winning a medal; it was about cementing their place in history.

Reflecting on the achievement, Lazo, who also serves as the team’s head coach, shared her emotions: “This means absolutely everything. From the start of this tournament, we faced adversity and stuck together. We adapted and adjusted, and this means so much for our country.”

The Philippines Women’s Lacrosse team didn’t just win games—they won hearts. Their journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the growing prominence of lacrosse in the Philippines. In a sport that’s still finding its footing in the country, this team has proven that Filipinos can excel on the international stage.

This victory also shines a spotlight on the importance of investing in sports programs for young athletes. Lacrosse may not yet be a mainstream sport in the Philippines, but with trailblazers like this team, it’s only a matter of time before it gains wider recognition.

With the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship on the horizon, the Filipinas have a chance to take their success to the next level. Their historic bronze medal run has already inspired a new generation of athletes, and now the stakes are even higher. Can they compete against the best teams in the world and bring home gold? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: they’re ready to rise to the challenge.

The Filipinas’ journey isn’t just a sports story, it’s a story of hope, resilience, and national pride. They’ve shown that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. As they prepare for the 2026 Championship, we’re cheering them on every step of the way. From dominating their opponents to putting the Philippines on the lacrosse map, this team has already achieved so much. And yet, it feels like their journey is just beginning. Philippines Women’s Lacrosse, we’re rooting for you all the way!

(For fans eager to follow the team's journey and catch their future games, you can stay connected through the official channels of the Philippines Lacrosse Association and World Lacrosse. Follow them for updates on match schedules, venues, and viewing options as information becomes available.)