By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippine men’s lacrosse team booked a spot in next year’s World Championship after eking out a 10-9 overtime win over Japan at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Men’s Lacrosse Championship in Wellington, New Zealand on Thursday, Jan. 8.
Down by three, 4-7, entering the halftime, the Nationals dug deep into the bag of tricks, producing five magical goals in the third frame against two for the Japanese to force the overtime.
In the extended period, Nicholas Marsh rose to the occasion as he snaked his way to find the net at the 75th minute mark to give Team PH the crucial point to seal a slot to the 2027 World Championship set in Japan.
This would mark the third consecutive appearance of the PH squad since its debut in 2018 in Netanya, Israel where it finished 10th overall.
“All ticket. We get it done in double OT and punch our ticket to Japan!” the Philippines Lacrosse Association wrote on its social media post.
Also, the Philippines, which previously bested Hong Kong and China, kept its record pristine with a 3-0 card to top Pool B and advance to the semifinal where it awaits for its next rival.
Japan, on the other hand, dropped to second with a 2-1, good for a play-in qualification and will battle either New Zealand or South Korea in the said stage.
Jonathan Dugenio paced the Filipino bets with three goals and two assists, while Jayden Basalatan and Benjamin Palli chipped in two goals each.
Aside from Nicholas, Chase Ladrido and Jarrett Dugenio also posted their respective conversion to boost the Nationals’ offensive rally.
Komine Takuma and Norita Hideki spearheaded the Japanese with two goals apiece with five of their teammates contributing as well in a losing cause.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong bounced back and eliminated China, 17-2, to stay in the playoff hunt.
