By MARK REY MONTEJO
Mission accomplished.
The Philippine women’s ice hockey team completed its redemption tour after sweeping its foreign rivals to capture its first-ever gold medal in the 2025 IIHF Women’s Asia Cup in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates Friday, June 6.
Determined to bounce back from a bridesmaid outing last year, the Nationals were inspired more than ever as they struck back and dethroned Iran, 4-2, in their final preliminary match.
It was a sweet revenge for the tropical country Philippines as the ice-cold Iranians reigned supreme in the previous edition in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, after breezing past the Filipinas, 4-0.
Prior to their championship win, the Nationals opened their campaign with a 15-0 demolition of Kyrgyzstan then toppled UAE, 6-1, in the next match.
Their dominance continued with an 8-1 beatdown of the Malaysians before cruising past India, 4-1, to remain the unblemished squad in the meet.
Leading the Philippines’ assault was Jasmin Cian Alcido who became the scoring leader with 24 points, while Jasmine Cuevas topped the competition’s assist column with eight.
Meanwhile, the Iranians and the Indians settled for silver and bronze, respectively.
Playing under the guidance of head coach Juhani Ijas, the Philippines is composed of forwards in Alcido, Cuevas, Kayla Herbolario, Mikayla Pe Aguirre, Illeana Jimenez, Kathleen Tan. Kimberly Sze, Cassia Marino, Alyssa Sanchez, Rhianne Alix, and Rangel Benitez.
On the other hand, the defenders are Georgie Ann Regencia, Kamil Cubillo, Gerardine Go, Rita Ceguerra, Nikka Villanueva, Eadrea Ham, Gabrielle Formoso-Laysico, while serving as goalkeeper are Mikaella Lee and Rosalyn Lim.
