PH women’s ice hockey team sweeps competition to rule continental tiff

The Philippine women’s ice hockey team completed its redemption after sweeping its rivals to capture its first-ever gold medal in the 2025 IIHF Women’s Asia Cup in Al Ain, the United Arab Emirates Friday, June 6.Determined to bounce back after a bridesmaid finish last year, the Nationals struck back and dethroned reigning champion Iran, 4-2, in the finals.It was a sweet revenge for the PH team as the Iranians dominated in the previous edition in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, breezing past the Filipinas, 4-0, for the gold medal.Prior to their championship win, the Nationals opened their campaign with a 15-0 demolition of Kyrgyzstan then toppled the UAE, 6-1, in the following game.Their brilliance continued with an 8-1 beatdown of Malaysia before cruising past India, 4-1, to remain unblemished in the meet.Leading the Philippines’ assault was Jasmin Cian Alcido who became the scoring leader with 24 points, while Jasmine Cuevas topped the competition's assist column with eight.Meanwhile, the Iranians and the Indians settled for silver and bronze, respectively.Playing under the guidance of head coach Juhani Ijas, the Philippine team was composed of forwards Alcido, Cuevas, Kayla Herbolario, Mikayla Pe Aguirre, Illeana Jimenez, Kathleen Tan. Kimberly Sze, Cassia Marino, Alyssa Sanchez, Rhianne Alix, and Rangel Benitez.On the other hand, the defenders were Georgie Ann Regencia, Kamil Cubillo, Gerardine Go, Rita Ceguerra, Nikka Villanueva, Eadrea Ham, Gabrielle Formoso-Laysico, while serving as goalkeepers were Mikaella Lee and Rosalyn Lim.