Floorball became the early source of pride as the national women’s team registered its first win for the host nation via an 8-1 thrashing of Indonesia in the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the University of the Philippines College of Human Kinetics gym.

Forward Jade Rivera delivered five goals, including three hits in the first period, which made it a 5-1 spread in the first 20 minutes that set the tone for the lopsided victory.

“We didn’t expect to win this big. We only prepared as a team for one week, but I guess everyone wanted to win as one, just like the motto of the SEA Games,” Rivera said.

In a highly-physical match, Philippines Michelle Jennifer Lindahl drew first blood with her goal at the 2:45 mark. Yosi Nurmalida Pramatiara of Indonesia fired back to tally Indonesia’s lone goal to tie the count.

Rivera led an onslaught that hiked the cushion to a four-point lead after the first period.

From there, the Indonesians were punished as Rivera, along with Michelle Cruzado, applied pressure in the next two frames for a swift end.

Filipina goalies Michelle Simpson and Pia Tolentino delighted the crowd when they saved eight attempts when the hosts clamped down on defense to negate any chances from the opponents.

“I think we had a good start. We know the Indonesians are really good and fast,” said Philippine coach Noel Johansson. “We have worked on our defense very much. Our defenders had a fantastic job.”

Johansson said they must beat powerhouse teams Singapore and Thailand, which they are facing today at 1 p.m., to earn a shot for the gold medal.

“If we can beat Thailand and Singapore, then we can have a good chance of winning the gold,” he said.