By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippine men’s lacrosse squad bucked a lethargic first half and notched a 9-4 win over Hong Kong to remain unblemished in the 2026 Asia-Pacific Men’s Lacrosse Championship in Wellington, New Zealand Wednesday, Jan. 7.
Cold as ice, the Nationals fell behind 0-2 and a 3-4 heading into the break, but when they saw an opening, they seized the moment and went on a rampage, coming through with six more goals – three came from Jayden Basalatan to frustrate the Hongkongers.
The win did not only assure them of a play-in in the continental showpiece but also bolstered their bid for an outright spot in the 2027 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in Japan.
However, its final game will be against the Komine Takuna-led Japan, which is coming off an 18-1 annihilation of China, this Thursday, Jan. 8.
With Japan already part of next year’s world championship, the winner of the two coveted qualifying spots would be determined in the play-in, where the Philippines set to vie in if it bows to the Japanese, alongside the top seed in Pool A.
It marked the country’s back-to-back wins after its 20-1 domination over China last Tuesday.
Backing up Basalatan’s three-goal mark were goals from Nicholas Mitchell, Benjamin Bisquera, Jonathan and Jarrett Dugenio, Chase Ladrido, and Christian Tacogue.
Bisquera was named as Player of the Game as he also posted one assist.
