Women’s Volcanoes Nearly Upset Leg 1 Fifth-Seeded Kazakhstan in Impressive Showing

by Mark Villamora

​The Philippine Women’s Rugby Team made an impressive showing, coming just one try short against Kazakhstan, losing 14–5, in the final leg of the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series today, October 18, at the Colombo Racecourse Sports Complex in Sri Lanka.

In a match full of late-game drama, the Women’s Volcanoes kept it a closely contested battle.
The Volcanoes’ first-half fire was highlighted by Vanessa Cifuentes delivering a crucial tackle to stop Kazakhstan just short of a try at the two-minute mark.​

Vanessa Cifuentes with a crucial tackle to stop Kazakhstan’s try at the 2025 ARESS Sri Lanka 7s. Photo by Asia Rugby.

Kazakhstan received a yellow card, keeping them down to six players for the remaining first half—an advantage for the Women’s Volcanoes.

Lora Mateo smashes through Kazakhstan’s defense with Sylvia Tudoc on backup at the 2025 ARESS Sri Lanka 7s. Photo by Asia Rugby.

Lora Mateo offloaded under pressure, Janin Puig secured the ball, and Jacquiline Lyden got it and sliced through the gap to score the Volcanoes’ first try of the final leg, ending the first half at 7–5 and keeping them close to Kazakhstan.

The second half mirrored the intensity of the first. Both teams fighting in time-on for a late-game try, but Kazakhstan ultimately claimed the match 14–5.

​Still, the Philippines delivered a strong performance in this closely contested game.
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About the Philippine Rugby Football Union
The Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) is the governing body for the sport of rugby in the Philippines. Established in 1998, the PRFU is dedicated to the development and promotion of rugby across the country, from grassroots to elite levels. It oversees various programs, competitions, and national teams, with the aim of making rugby a major sport in the Philippines.

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