Hummingbirdz seal spot - Jamaica qualify for 2027 World Lacrosse Championship

Jamaica’s qualification for the 2027 World Lacrosse Championship was made extra special as the men’s team secured their spot on home soil.

The Hummingbirdz booked their place after defeating Puerto Rico 13-6 yesterday at Stadium East in Pool A of the Pan American Men’s Lacrosse Championship.

Jamaica dominated the opening half, outscoring Puerto Rico 3-1 in the first quarter and 5-1 in the second to lead 8-2 at halftime. They added three more goals in the third quarter before holding off a late Puerto Rico rally, which saw the visitors take the final quarter 4-2.

The win ensured Jamaica finished second in the pool behind reigning world champions United States and advanced to the bronze medal match of the Pan Am Championship.

Head coach Mark Wilson said qualifying at home was a proud moment for the team and the sport. “I can tell you, it’s the best thing. My favourite thing about being here for this tournament is being able to put this level of play on the field in Kingston, in front of our local players and coaches, and let them know that the work they’re doing feeds into this, and hopefully what we’re doing also shines a bright light back on them,” Wilson said. “I think this is the most important and most special [one] – to really solidify the fact that we are a power in the world or a team that should be reckoned with.”

His sentiments were echoed by Jamaica Lacrosse Association (JLA) president Calbert Hutchinson, who said he was confident the team would qualify given their regional and global standing. “I am immensely proud and happy for our head coach and our coaching staff and the entire team. Now we have closed one chapter which is to qualify for the world championship 2027,” Hutchinson said.

Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) president Christopher Samuda also praised the achievement, noting it marked Jamaica’s third consecutive World Championship qualification. “We are very proud of them, we will continue to invest in them, we will continue to encourage them, but this is something that Jamaica should be very proud of,” Samuda said.

EYES ON A MEDAL

Jamaica will now turn their attention to tomorrow’s bronze medal match against Haudenosaunee at 11 a.m. Wilson acknowledged the challenge, noting Haudenosaunee are ranked among the world’s top three teams.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com