by Brian Yalung

The Philippine Women’s Hockey team gave the country something to cheer about after bagging the gold medal at the 2019 IIHF Women’s Hockey Challenge Cup Division 1 held at the Zayed Sports City Ice Rink in Abu Dhabi.

The Philippines officially opened their campaign last April 15, thrashing Kuwait 10-0. Two days later, they followed up that impressive win with a 5-0 victory over India. This set up the Filipino for a gold medal showdown with UAE on April 19.

Philippine Women’s Hockey Team (credits: Yuka Fukuma | Philippine Ice Hockey Snapshots)

Bianca Yasmine Cuevas opened things up for the Philippines, scoring the first goal at the 57-second mark of the first period aided by an assist from Kayla Herbolario.

The Philippines’ second goal came courtesy of Danielle Lourdes Imperial at the 39:53 mark in period 2 through an assist by Shaden Joy Ganac.

UAE’s lone goal came at the 56:53 mark of the third period, courtesy of Dana Alhosani with an assist from Khulood Shugaa.

The 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s Challenge Cup of Asia was held from April 14 to 19 and is the first IIHF women’s tournament to be hosted in the UAE.

Tags: 2019 IIHF Women's Hockey Challenge Cup , Abu Dhabi , Bianca Yasmine Cuevas , Brian Yalung , Danielle Lourdes Imperial , Kayla Herbolario , Philippine Women's Hockey team , Philippines , Shaden Joy Ganac