Jamaica’s men’s Lacrosse team continued their historic-run in the World Lacrosse Championships after beating Italy in the playoff round to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time.

In what was easily their toughest game yet Jamaica were pushed by the Italians to come out with a 7-6 victory. This makes it five consecutive wins in the tournament.

Tournament standout Khairi Sears was again among the standout players as he put on a man of the match performance.

Sears led the Jamaican charge with the opening two goals  in the first quarter as the country outscored Italy 2-1.

It was an equally close encounter in the second quarter, Joseph Saggese cut the deficit for Italy in the quarter.

Third quarter was a rinse and repeat for Jamaica as they again closed with a  2-1 score, as goals from Sears clinched his hat trick and Marcus Minichiello responded to Saggese’s opener for Italy.

Jamaica extended their lead to 7-3 in the fourth quarter with Minichiello’s penalty, however they had to survive a late surge of three goals by Italy who came within point of leveling the game.

With history on the horizon Jamaica however showed composure under pressure and consolidated their lead to hold off the Italians to emerge 7-6 victors.

Its the first time Jamaica has won their opening five games in the tournament history, with a quarter-finals round qualification ensuring they better their previous best of 13th place.

The JAMLax team will face Canada in last eight which begins on Wednesday. 

The Canadians earned a spot into the quarterfinals after being among the top three teams in the protected Group A which included the top ranked teams in the world entering the Championships.

A sixth win for Jamaica will see them face either Japan or Haudendsaunee in the semi final which kicks off on Thursday.