Triumph on ice

Philippine women’s ice hockey team hold up their gold medals. Photo by Yuka Fukuma

The Philippines has once again proven its worth in ice hockey as it continues to build its reputation as a tropical country faring well in winter sports.

The country on Friday captured the International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s Challenge Cup of Asian Division 1 in Abu Dhabi.

The team is made up of forwards Yeti Smith, Cassia Marino, Chesca Nery, Bianca Cuevas, Danielle Lourdes Imperial, Kayla Herbolario, Maikkie See, Georgie Regencia, Kathleen Tan, Erin Medina and Can Sanchez.

Also members of the team are defenders Geddy Go, Christel Mamaril, Rita Ceguerra, Nikka Villanueva, Shae Ganac and Eadrea Ham. Goalies Rosalyn Lim and Jenny Tikhonova complete the squad, which is coached by Carl Montano and Nico Cadiz.

The Filipinos swept their way to the title, beating Kuwait (10-0), India (5-0) and the United Arab Emirates (2-1).

Cuevas, who was the tournament’s top scorer, opened scoring in the final against UAE early, giving the Philippines a 1-0 lead just about a minute into the match. Imperial doubled the lead late in the second period.

The gold conquest earned the women’s hockey team a promotion to the top women’s division.

The sport gained popularity in the country after the men’s team ruled the maiden staging of the event in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Now the country is hoping to earn victories from it in the coming SEA Games, which will be held here on Nov. 30 to Dec. 11. —WITH A REPORT FROM CELEST FLORES-COLINA