(UPDATE) THE Philippines settled for a silver medal after falling to Australia, 3-13, at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Men’s Lacrosse Championship final in Wellington, New Zealand, on Sunday.
Despite the loss, the Filipinos still achieved their highest finish in the tournament in second place.
The national team also qualified for the 2027 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in Japan after taking down next year’s host in the group stage, 10-9.
That secured the Philippines’ semifinal entry and the World Championship spot, finishing Pool B as the top seed with a 3-0 slate.
It’s the third entry of the country in the world stage of the sport, which has elements of football, hockey, and basketball.
Using a lacrosse stick (a shaft with a netted head), the goal is to shoot a rubber ball into the opponent’s goal. One goal is one point.
Twenty players (20), 10 players per side, occupy the field as the players carry, pass, and shoot the ball through the stick’s pocket.
The game usually has four quarters with 15 minutes each.
As host of the World Championship, Japan automatically qualified for the tournament.
The Japanese salvaged a bronze medal after taking down host New Zealand in the battle for third, 9-5.
As the best three finishers in Asia-Pacific region, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand advanced to the World Championship.
