Philippine Women's Ice Hockey team bags gold in Asia tourney

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Women's Ice Hockey Team swept their way to the gold in the Challenge Cup of Asia Division 1 after besting hosts UAE, 2-1 in the championship match Friday (Saturday Manila time) in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The Filipinas were unstoppable in the tournament held from April 14 to 19, closing out the eliminations without a single goal against them.

The Nationals simply steamrolled Kuwait and India with a 10-0 and 5-0 beating, respectively.

They faced fellow dominant team UAE in the finals.

The Filipinas didn't waste time in the gold medal match as they struck early in the match.

Bianca Cuevas scored off of an assist by Kayla Herbolario to put the Philippines up, 1-0 barely a minute into the match.

Another goal doubled the Philippines' lead late in the second period with Danielle Imperial hitting the puck to the back of the net from a Shaden Ganac assist.

UAE was able to salvage a goal with the clock winding down in the third period, but it wasn't enough to force overtime.

The Nationals improve on their tournament finish last year where they took home bronze.