PH Lacrosse Team Ranks Top 10 in World Championship Debut in Israel
Ambassador to Israel Neal G. Imperial watches the face-off to officially start the match between the Philippines and the Czech Republic. (Tel Aviv PE photo)
TEL AVIV 27 July 2018 – The Philippine Lacrosse team ranks tenth in the world rankings after its remarkable performance on its first international competition, in the recently concluded 2018 FIL World Lacrosse Championship in Netanya, Israel.
Recognized as one of the best new teams in the league of 46 members, the Philippine team finished with five impressive wins against top-ranked Czech Republic, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, and Scotland.
Cheered by a motley crew of supporters and family members, the Philippine team surprised their higher ranked opponents with a very competitive scoring output and excellent defense.
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Neal G. Imperial praised the team, saying “Considering that the players only practiced as a team upon their arrival in Israel, their performance was nothing short of a phenomenon. Through a combination of skill and heart, they made it difficult for their opponents even during their two losses to Israel and Germany.”
“Lacrosse seems to be a game where Filipinos can truly excel and therefore deserves to be promoted in the Philippines,” added the ambassador.
The national team is comprised of Filipino and Filipino-American players and coaching staff.
The United States emerged as this year’s world champion, beating Canada, 9 to 8, on 21 July 2018. END
The Philippine team players in action during their match with Czech Republic. (Tel Aviv PE photo)
Ambassador to Israel Neal Imperial (ninth from left, standing) leads the Embassy personnel in congratulating the Philippine Lacrosse team players and coaching staff after defeating Czech Republic in its first game. (Tel Aviv PE photo)
Consul General Randy Arquiza shows his support to the Philippine Lacrosse team. (Tel Aviv PE photo)
For more information, visit www.telavivpe.dfa.gov.ph / www.philippine-embassy.org.il or https://www.facebook.com/PHinIsrael/.