Japan Completes Second-Half Comeback to Defeat Philippines 9–7

Kokoro Nakazawa recorded two goals and two assists as Japan erased a three-goal halftime deficit and shut out the Philippines in the fourth quarter at the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship.

Japan produced a determined second-half comeback to defeat the Philippines 9–7 in Pool D action at the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship on July 26 at Oi Stadium in Tokyo.

The Philippines led 6–3 at halftime after controlling much of the opening two quarters. Japan responded after the break, scoring six of the game’s final seven goals and holding the Philippines scoreless throughout the fourth quarter.

Nakazawa led Japan with four points, while Monika Jones scored twice. Japan received goals from seven different players in a balanced attacking performance.

Philippines Builds a First-Half Lead

Japan made the ideal start when Jones scored just 16 seconds into the game from a Chisa Kobayashi assist.

The Philippines responded through Steph Lazo, who tied the score midway through the opening quarter. Kalena Johnson then converted a free-position opportunity before Lizzie de Guzman scored from an Abby Manalang assist, giving the Philippines a 3–1 lead after 15 minutes.

Nene Kawai reduced Japan’s deficit early in the second quarter, but Sophia Russo answered for the Philippines.

Suzuno Hosoda scored to make it 4–3, keeping Japan within one. The Philippines then closed the half strongly, with Manalang scoring at 3:25 and Cat Roxas adding another goal with only 14 seconds remaining.

Those late goals sent the Philippines into halftime with a 6–3 advantage.

Japan Changes the Momentum

Japan began the third quarter with greater attacking urgency.

Nakazawa scored only 33 seconds after the restart, cutting the deficit to two. Megan Kitagawa then finished from a Nakazawa assist to bring Japan within one at 6–5.

Nia Carrera briefly stopped Japan’s momentum with a free-position goal for the Philippines, but Miho Sakurai answered late in the quarter. Nakazawa supplied her second assist, and Japan entered the final period trailing by only one at 7–6.

Japan had outscored the Philippines 3–1 in the third quarter, setting the stage for a decisive finish.

Japan Takes Control in the Fourth

The Philippines was unable to add to its score in the final 15 minutes as Japan’s defense repeatedly disrupted its possessions.

Nakazawa tied the game at 7–7 with five minutes gone in the quarter, converting from a Negai Nakazawa assist.

Hikari Takano then gave Japan its first lead since the opening minutes, scoring with 6:20 remaining.

Japan continued to defend its narrow advantage before Jones delivered the final goal with 1:50 left. Mayu Fujii provided the assist as Japan completed a 3–0 fourth quarter and secured the 9–7 victory.

After conceding six goals in the first half, Japan allowed only one across the final 30 minutes.

Nakazawa Leads a Balanced Attack

Kokoro Nakazawa finished with two goals and two assists, contributing directly to four of Japan’s nine goals.

Jones also scored twice, while Kawai, Hosoda, Kitagawa, Sakurai and Takano each added one goal. Kobayashi, Fujii and Negai Nakazawa recorded one assist apiece.

Japan finished with nine goals from 22 shots and placed 14 attempts on target. The Philippines scored seven times from 15 shots and recorded 11 shots on goal.

Possession at the draw circle was evenly divided, with each team winning 10 of the 20 draw controls. Both teams also committed eight turnovers.

Japan’s improved defensive pressure proved decisive. The host nation restricted the Philippines to a single goal in the second half and did not concede during the fourth quarter.

The Philippines received goals from seven different players. Manalang, Lazo and Russo each recorded one goal and one assist, while Johnson, de Guzman, Roxas and Carrera also scored.

Goalkeeper Abigail Beattie made five saves for the Philippines, helping her team maintain its lead through much of the contest.

Japan’s patience and composure ultimately made the difference. Despite trailing by three at halftime, the host nation remained disciplined, gradually reduced the deficit and controlled the closing quarter to complete the comeback.

Game Summary

2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship — Pool D
Japan 9–7 Philippines
July 26, 2026
Oi Stadium — Field 1, Tokyo

Quarter-by-quarter

Philippines: 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 — 7
Japan: 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 — 9d: 3 | 5 | 3 | 1 — 12
Argentina: 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 — 15