THROGGS NECK, NY – The Philippines, led by Head Coach Justin Manjares, has qualified for the 2023 Men's Lacrosse World Championship.  Manjares, who is also the head coach of the Maritime College men's lacrosse team, guided the Filipino team at the Asia-Pacific qualifying tournament in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, South Korea from Oct. 3-8.

There were six teams entered in the qualifying tournament, with the top four earning World Championship berths.  After losing its opening game to Hong Kong, the Philippines notched back-to-back victories over China and Chinese Taipei.  The Philippines concluded the tournament with losses to New Zealand and South Korea, but its 2-3 record was good enough to qualify for the World Championship.

"I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of play in Asia," Manjares said.  "The other teams were very strong and all of our games were competitive.  Qualifying was our goal, and I'm proud that we achieved it.  We're looking forward to representing the nation again in June."

Hong Kong, New Zealand and South Korea—the three teams that defeated the Philippines—were the other nations to advance out of the qualifying tournament. They join automatic qualifiers Australia and Japan as the Asia-Pacific representatives at the 2023 Men's World Lacrosse Championship, which will take place from June 21-July 1 in San Diego.

This will mark the Philippines' second consecutive World Championship appearance.  At its debut in 2018, the team went 5-2 overall to place 10^th overall.  Manjares was the Filipino National Team's Director of Operations that year.