The Philippines completed a breakout campaign at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Women’s Lacrosse Championship with a bronze medal on Saturday after defeating Chinese Taipei, 18-6.
The Philippines impressed throughout the week in Queensland, Australia, with pool play wins in its first two games against China and Hong Kong, China to book a spot in the semifinals. The top-three finish also secured the Philippines’ berth at the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship in Japan, a first-ever appearance.
The bronze medal is the Philippines first women’s senior medal at an international lacrosse event and the first medal for a Philippines field lacrosse program.
Chinese Taipei finished in fourth place, but secured its qualification to the 2026 Women’s Championship as well with wins over New Zealand and Korea.
In the bronze medal game, Steph Lazo spearheaded the Philippines’ attack with five goals, while four other players added multi-goal efforts.
Sarah Nelson, Lizzie de Guzman and Cat Roxas finished with three points each. Lazo was named the player of the match.
“This means absolutely everything,” said Lazo after the game. “From the very start of this tournament, we faced adversity and stuck together. We adapted and adjusted, and this means so much for our country.”
