By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippine men’s lacrosse squad intensified its onslaught in the second half and completed a stunning 12-7 semis win over host New Zealand to secure a historic final ticket in the 2026 Asia-Pacific Men’s Lacrosse Championship in Wellington Saturday, Jan. 10.
Holding a precarious 4-3 lead at the half, the Nationals turned on the jets in the next two periods, especially in the fourth, where they scored five of their eight goals in just 10 minutes – thanks to the offensive brilliance of Benjamin Palli.
Palli and Co.’s assault completely took the fight out of the Kiwis as the Nationals advanced to the final for the first time in the continental showpiece.
They settled for fourth place in the last edition held in South Korea.
Their efforts led to the country’s first-ever gold-medal shot in the meet, facing powerhouse Australia, a perennial podium finisher on the global stage, this Sunday, Jan. 11.
On the same day, Japan and New Zealand will clash for the bronze medal.
Win or lose, both the Filipinos and the Aussies, alongside the Japanese, are assured of their respective berths in the 2027 World Championship in Japan.
The Philippines remained unbeaten in the Asia-Pacific meet as it previously bested the likes of China (20-1), Hong Kong (9-4), and Japan (10-9) to top Pool B en route to the semis.
“Playing for gold baby,” the Philippines Lacrosse Association wrote on its social media post. “Big time players making big time plays. See you tomorrow at the ‘Ship.”
Palli took the Player of the Game honor with three goals and one assist as well as his standout performance in the final period, while Christian Tacogue also posted three goals.
Last game’s hero Nicholas Marsh and Benjamin Bisquera found the ned twice with Jayden Basalatan and Jonathan Dugenio adding one goal apiece.
