Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club

North America, Polo News

2021 USPA Intra-Circuit finals

23. June 2021

SANTA BARBARA, CA. (June 20th, 2021) The 2021 USPA Intra-Circuit came to a thrilling close at the Santa Barbara Polo Club last weekend. The game took place in the US Polo Assn. Stadium with the first post-COVID crowd of spectators since Fall, 2019. To no surprise, the two teams came to the field ready, mounted with top-tier horses, and both putting in impressive effort to win. The BenSoleimani.com team donned their iconic Hulk jerseys to express their hero power polo.

Klentner Ranch displayed their own super powers by completely dominating the first two chukkers. Each member on the team had meaningful contributions to making the scoreboard 8-0 after only 15 minutes of polo play. Patrick Uretz produced two field goals and one penalty conversion. Jesse Bray had four goals, one being an impressive full-speed carry the length of the field on Indigo, his big black mare that has played the Intra-Circuit for the past seven years. Jake Klentner also put one up on the board and Justin Klentner displayed exactly how to play a game of exemplary defense.

The next four chukkers totally flipped with BenSoleimani.com shutting out Klentner Ranch. Again, each player contributed to the comeback in score. Remy Mueller headed this comeback with two field goals in the third chukker and another in the fourth. Inaki Laprida converted a crucial penalty two and took the ball by himself, weaving through players to score another. Ben Soleimani also drilled the ball through the posts in the fifth to put the score at 8-6 to Klentner Ranch going into the last chukker.

The sixth chukker flaunted quality polo with both teams still in the running. They battled out the final minutes of the game both playing their hardest. BenSoleimani.com was awarded multiple spot hits, but Klentner Ranch earned a critical penalty three which Patrick Uretz successfully converted, making the score 9-6 for Klentner Ranch. Bayne Bossom made a valiant effort to pull BenSoleimani.com back with a field goal, but with not quite enough time to win the game. The final score was 9-7 to Klentner Ranch.

Most Valuable Player went to Patrick Uretz for his consistent penalties, marking abilities, and powerful play. The Season MVP award went to Inaki Laprida for his impressive play during the entire two months of 12 goal polo. Ben Soleimani’s bay mare, “Mystery”, played by Remy Mueller was awarded Best Playing Pony. The award for Best String was given to Roberto Zedda’s barn of horses brought to Santa Barbara.

Dundas II won the subsidiary final of the Intra-Circuit 11-10 over Farmers and Merchants Bank. The Most Valuable Player award went to young player, Ryan Kerley, and the Best Playing Pony Award went to Geronimo Obregon’s chesnut mare, “Cambalache.”

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit our website, www.sbpolo.com.

Images: ©David Lominska

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SANTA BARBARA, CA. (June 20th, 2021) The 2021 USPA Intra-Circuit came to a thrilling close at the Santa Barbara Polo Club last weekend. The game took place in the US…

North America, Polo News

2021 USPA Intra-Circuit

16. June 2021

SANTA BARBARA, CA. (June 13th, 2021) The 2021 USPA Intra-Circuit saw another exciting week of polo with tensions and aspirations running high to secure a place in the semi-finals. Three games took place on Sunday, the 13th, each one-upping the next in their intensity of play.

Kicking off the day at 10 AM, Farmers and Merchants Bank took on Klentner Ranch. Tony Uretz substituted for patron Justin Klentner on Klentner Ranch.This game featured participation from all players on the field with everyone scoring at least two goals. The high-scoring game ended at 15-10 with Klentner Ranch finishing victorious.

The second match up at 2 PM was between Folded Hills/FMB Too! and Antelope. After three chukkers of play, the game was close at 6-5 to Antelope. Both teams had strong, tactical team strategies and played a remarkable game of defense with classic polo theory. This impressive exhibition of play resulted with only two goals scored the entire second half, but was astounding to watch nonetheless. However, Antelope came out on top with Grant Palmer passing the ball to Jim Wright to score the winning goal at the tail end of the sixth chukker. The final score was 7-6 to Antelope.

The 4 PM featured match in the US Polo Assn. Stadium hosted Dundas II and BenSoleimani.com. Dundas II started off strong with back to back goals to secure the lead and finish the half at 7-4. BenSoleimani.com turned it around in the last three chukkers by playing

strategically and with patience to climb back from the deficit and into the lead. At the end of the game, BenSoleimani.com was victorious 11-9.

Next week, two semi-finals will take place to determine the two teams for the finals. These exciting match-ups will be between Dundas and Klentner Ranch, then BenSoleimani.com and Antelope. The finals are sure to be thrilling and take place on the 20th of June.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit our website, www.sbpolo.com.

Images: ©David Lominska

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SANTA BARBARA, CA. (June 13th, 2021) The 2021 USPA Intra-Circuit saw another exciting week of polo with tensions and aspirations running high to secure a place in the semi-finals. Three…

North America, Polo News

2021 USPA Intra-Circuit

16. June 2021

strategically and with patience to climb back from the deficit and into the lead. At the end of the game, BenSoleimani.com was victorious 11-9.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit our website, www.sbpolo.com.

Images: ©David Lominska

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SANTA BARBARA, CA. (June 13th, 2021) The 2021 USPA Intra-Circuit saw another exciting week of polo with tensions and aspirations running high to secure a place in the semi-finals. Three…

North America, Polo News

La Herradura shines in Women’s Pacific Coast Open Debut

9. September 2020

Making their debut in the second annual 2020 Women’s Pacific Coast Open at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (Carpinteria, California) La Herradura joined three returning teams, Dundas, Timing and Polo Gear/Coffee Company, but proved to be a step ahead of their opponents in the final on Sunday, September 6. After narrowly defeating Dundas in the semifinal, La Herradura used efficient 55% shooting from the field and three goals from Meghan Gracida to defeat Timing 7-4 and capture their first Women’s Pacific Coast Open title.

“We watched Timing play a very strong game in their first match. Our plan was to try and shut them down early, be quick in the transitions and use all four members of our team. We were also very fortunate to have Memo [Gracida] as a coach and I was spoiled to play La Herradura’s horses.” – Izzy Parsons

Played at the 18-goal level, the elite level of women’s polo was on full display throughout the weekend, culminating with the performance of La Herradura (Suzette Yamani, Meghan Gracida, Izzy Parsons, Dayelle Fargey) against Timing (Nicole Ball, Mia Bray*, Mia Novillo Astrada, Sofia Lorenzo). A quick start for La Herradura saw them hold the possession advantage in the first chukker as Parsons opened the scoring with back-to-back field goals on a gelding named Elvis, giving La Herradura the 2-0 lead. The beginning of the second chukker saw La Herradura extend their lead to three on Gracida’s first goal of the game, taking advantage of extra possessions and shot attempts at goal. Timing brought the deficit back to just one by halftime, converting both shot attempts on field goals from Mia Novillo Astrada and Sofia Lorenzo. La Herradura led headed into the second half 3-2.

The well-rounded La Herradura attack began the second half strong, restoring their three-goal advantage, led by Suzette Yamani contributing a goal in the number one position. Gracida’s second goal quickly put Timing on their heels as they were in need of an offensive strategy in order to challenge Timing over the final chukkers of the game. “Our strategy headed into the final was to put pressure on Timing and really mark the man,” Gracida said. “Sofia Lorenzo and Mia Novillo Astrada like to play the ball and turn it rather than hit backhand so we tried to capitalize on that and really mark our man.” Before the end of the third, Mia Bray found her stride, cutting the lead down to two with just one chukker remaining. The intensity increased in the fourth as pressure was applied on both sides of the ball, but Fargey’s Penalty 3 conversion extended the lead and landed all La Herradura teammates on the board. Answering back for the second time, Bray kept Timing in the game by maintaining the gap. An impactful player in the game, Gracida provided to be the answer the La Herradura needed with her third field goal which sealed the victory 7-4 and the 2020 Women’s Pacific Coast Open trophy.

Playing in the Sunny Hale Invitational a week prior, the tournament proved to be good preparation for the Women’s Pacific Coast Open. “This is a huge win for myself and for our organization since we are now based here in California,” Gracida said. “I didn’t have the opportunity to play in the inaugural Women’s Pacific Coast Open last year so I made it a goal of mine to put a team in this year and I was very determined to get organized so we would win. We worked very hard before we got to this point and it was with the help of Memo’s [Gracida] amazing organization La Herradurra and the horses.”

Most Valuable Player was presented to Dayelle Fargey. “She completely deserves to win MVP,” Gracida said. “She played so well and was the true leader on the field. I’d argue that she is the best U.S. women’s player.”

Best Playing Pony honors were awarded to Galguita (Galgo x Lechuza), a homebred grey mare owned by Patagones Polo Team and played by Mia Novillo Astrada in the third chukker. “She was very comfortable, fast, powerful and has a really good mouth,” Novillo Astrada said. “Also she is great in the ride off and I really enjoyed playing her.” “She was bred by my brother Carlos Avendaño and now Gonzalo [Avendaño] owns her,” Anita Avendaño added. “Galguita’s dam Lechuza was an Argentine Thoroughbred which Carlos played in high goal in Argentina including the Copa Cámara de Diputados. In the U.S. she has also played in the Silver Cup®, Ylvisaker Cup, C.V. Whitney Cup and USPA Gold Cup®.”

Originally from Kenya, Izzy Parsons was happy that her international trip paid off. “I’ve played in a number of tournaments in the U.S. making it into a few finals here and there, but I’ve never won so it was great to get this win!” Parsons expressed.

www.uspolo.org

Gallery: All photos ©David Lominska

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*Mia Bray is a member of Team USPA. Team USPA is a USPA program designed to enhance and grow the sport of polo in the United States by identifying young, talented American players and providing mentored training and playing opportunities leading to a pool of higher rated amateur and pro players and the resultant giveback to the sport of polo.

North America, Polo News

USPA Intra-Circuit Tournament

1. July 2020

This Sunday held the sought after 2020 USPA Intra-Circuit final. This tournament holds great importance at the Santa Barbara Polo Club and with the United States Polo Association. The final match was played between Antelope Jr., reigning champions from the Folded Hills Pope Challenge Tournament, and Dundas, who was undefeated in their bracket for this tournament.

Striking from the field to open up the first, Juan Monteverde was quickly countered by a series of three consecutive goals as Dundas fired between the posts. Adding their second tally to the scoreboard, Antelope Jr.’s goal was met once more by back-to-back goals from 7-goaler Santi Torres to close the second chukker 5-2 in favor of Dundas. “Our strategy was simplicity,” Siegel-Magness said. “Our game plan was playing man to man and making sure we each worked together to clear the space to make runs to goal. While defense was our first priority, we then transitioned to a strong offense.” Consistently producing a goal per chukker, Monteverde saw an opportunity to capitalize on a Penalty 2 conversion early in the third. Dundas sprung into action with another offensive attack to increase their growing lead by five and with all team members contributing to the scoreboard by halftime 8-3.

Returning in the second half with a Penalty 4 conversion, Monteverde continued to keep Antelope Jr. in the fight as the only member to score so far. Picking up another three, Dundas maintained their steady upward trajectory with undeniable strategy, concentration and determination. Rising to Antelope Jr.’s aid in the fifth chukker, Felipe Vercellino answered back with two goals, yet Dundas relentlessly added three more to their tally to end the fifth with a significant lead 14-6. Hammering in two final goals to bring his total to eight, Torres created a deficit virtually unconquerable by their opponents at such a late stage in the game. Launching three goals of his own in the final minutes, Monteverde’s effort could not overcome the disparity and Dundas was named 2020 champions winning 16-9.

“I’m extremely grateful to my team,” Siegel-Magness said. “Santi [Torres] was injured early in the season and having him come back so quickly and strong was amazing. Mariano [Fassetta] and I have been playing together for a few years and this win meant so much because he spends so much time working with me on drills and technique. Also, watching my pilot Juan Cruz [Marcos] shine in his first 12-goal tournament and seeing his personal progress was exciting for me.”

Responsible for five of Dundas’ total goals, Juan Cruz Marcos, was named Most Valuable Player. “For me it was a great experience, plus this was my first season in the United States and I‘m very happy to be participating in USPA tournaments,” Marcos said. Best Playing Pony honors were presented to Cypress (River Dance x Magnolia), played by Santi Torres as a spare throughout the game with four appearances and bred and owned by Valiente.

In addition to the trophy, Dundas also received $2,500.00 in prize money from participating in the COVID-19 USPA Polo Tournament Stimulus Package. “I gave the prize money to my team to pass on to the grooms,” Siegel-Magness shared. “Our grooms make all this possible and they deserve to be recognized for a job well done. I appreciate them so much and they work so hard to keep both the players and horses safe!”

About Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club
Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is the premier destination for summer polo. Players and Patrons from all across the globe call Santa Barbara their home for the summer, bringing world class polo to the Southern California coast. No spectators will currently gather for matches due to COVID-19. We are taking all precautions during the 2020 season including weekly testing, face-masks, and social distancing. Please visit the Spectator Information page for more information.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit our website, www.sbpolo.com.

Photos: © David Lominska

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This Sunday held the sought after 2020 USPA Intra-Circuit final. This tournament holds great importance at the Santa Barbara Polo Club and with the United States Polo Association. The final…

North America, Polo News

Folded Hills Pope Challenge

17. June 2020

There was a big leadup to the Folded Hills Pope Challenge Final. In order to play in the final, there was a three-way shoot-out on the Friday before between Antelope, BenSoleimani.com, and Dundas 2 to secure a spot against Antelope Jr. on Sunday. The final ended up being a father vs. son matchup between Antelope and Antelope Jr.

The 4 PM match started a little slow as the teams warmed up and felt out how they were going to play. However, halfway through the first chukker, Antelope came out with the first goal from Maco Llambias which Grant Palmer quickly rebutted. The second chukker showed strong defense and clean play with only one goal and one foul the entire seven and a half minutes. The last chukker of the half put Antelope in the lead with two strong penalty shots and another goal from Maco Llambias, ending the half with a score of 4-2.

To start off the second half, Antelope Jr. kicked it into gear scoring five goals total. Felipe Vercillino played this chukker on Best Playing Pony, Sandunga, and made it count with one coast to coast goal and another one from 60 yards out. Antelope tried to turn it back around in the fifth chukker with a nice field goal from Jimmy Wright, but Antelope Jr scored another two goals to keep a steady lead of 9-6 going into the final chukker. Each team scored two goals in the last chukker to maintain the gap in score, but one goal stood out with an impressive cut shot from Grant Palmer. The match finished at 11-8 to Antelope Jr.

Antelope Jr. played cohesively as a team that knows each other very well and they reaped the rewards. Most valuable player, Grant Palmer, commented on the match, “It was a very physical game – by continuously passing the ball up the field we were able to stretch our opponents and come out with the win.” The Folded Hills Pope Challenge Final boasted excellent polo and regardless of missing spectators, all players brought their best.

Photos: © David Lominska / polographics.com

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About Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is the premier destination for summer polo. Players and Patrons from all across the globe call Santa Barbara their home for the summer, bringing world class polo to the Southern California coast. No spectators will currently gather for matches due to COVID-19. We are taking all precautions during the 2020 season including weekly testing, face-masks, and social distancing. Please visit the Spectator Information page for more information.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit our website, www.sbpolo.com.

© Thomas Wirth

There was a big leadup to the Folded Hills Pope Challenge Final. In order to play in the final, there was a three-way shoot-out on the Friday before between Antelope,…

North America, Polo News

Jackson Hole Horse Emporium Wickenden Cup 2019

2. October 2019

Six teams are playing for the chance to win the 2019 Jackson Hole Horse Emporium Wickenden Cup. We welcome Highwood Polo Team from Calgary Alberta as our sixth team. The other five teams remain the same.

The morning started off with a matchup between Klentner Ranch / El Llamado and Dundas Polo Team. The match started close in the first few chukkers. However, Marcos Alberdi from Klentner Ranch could not be stopped as he scored ten goals during the six chukker match, dominating the field. The game finished with a score of 11-8. Klentner Ranch will move on into the tournament with a 2-0 record.

Highwood Polo Team and bensoeimani.com/JC Polo competed in the second game on Sunday afternoon. Highwood began with one goal on handicap, helping them keep a lead by one for most of the game. Remy Muller scored two goals in the last chukker for bensoleimani.com to push the game into overtime. In the seventh chukker Muller scored the golden goal winning the match 10-9. Bensoleimani.com/JC Polo move on in the tournament undefeated after the first week of play.

The featured match on the grandstand field was between Spindrift and Sapa/Gipsy. Sapa/Gipsy dominated the field in the first half with three notable goals by Igor Seyranov. The team put a total of 10 goals on the board in the first three chukkers, making it an unusually high scoring game. Spindrift recuperated at halftime to make a comeback in the fourth chukker. Goals by Spindrift’s Curbelo and Bossom brought the score within one. Unfortunately, Spindrift could not contain Sapa/ Gipsy’s scoring power and the game finished 16-11. Sapa/Gipsy is the third team to continue in the tournament with an undefeated record.

About Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is the premier destination for summer polo. Players and Patrons from all across the globe call Santa Barbara their home for the summer, bringing world class polo to the Southern California coast. Spectators gather for matches on Friday and Sunday afternoons from mid-April to October. Polo matches are open to the public with a wide range of hospitality and guest seating. All are welcome to join for an exciting afternoon of heart pumping action. www.sbpolo.com

By Mia Bray

Photos: © David Lominska

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Six teams are playing for the chance to win the 2019 Jackson Hole Horse Emporium Wickenden Cup. We welcome Highwood Polo Team from Calgary Alberta as our sixth team. The…

North America, Polo News

Klentner Ranch claim first Silver Air Pacific Coast Open title

4. September 2018

With memories of their devastating double overtime loss to Farmers & Merchants Bank last year, Klentner Ranch was prepared to leave everything on the field and win the 2018 Silver Air Pacific Coast Open Final. Despite being defeated by Lucchese once in bracket play and losing Justin Klentner to a hand injury, Klentner Ranch was determined to make their second chance count. Played on Sunday, September 2, at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria, California, the final showcased fierce competition until the end, Klentner Ranch ultimately earning the win they sought 8-6.

Coming out strong from the first chukker, Klentner Ranch carried their momentum throughout the first half against the formidable and well mounted Lucchese team. Both teams struggled for possession foreshadowing another tight match, however Klentner was able to capitalize on numerous Lucchese fouls to gain the edge. Early in the second Jesse Bray* converted a Penalty 3, but was met by an answering field goal from Jeff Hall who broke through a clustered pack to score. Intensifying in the third, the pressure of the game was felt as the third yellow card fell on a dangerous riding call. Fresh off a semifinal win in the National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS) Championship, substitute Jake Klentner* brought his game sense from Colorado, scoring a smart field goal to keep his team up by one at halftime 4-3.

Adding a Penalty 3 conversion each to their respective tallies, both sides continued to go all out in the fourth, remaining within one. Slipping out of the pack to make a coast-to-coast breakaway on 12-year-old Thoroughbred mare Fondue, Facundo Obregon made a strong statement with an open backshot tap to goal. Ending the fifth still neck-in-neck at 7-6 in favor of Klentner Ranch, the game came down to the wire. Defending their end line well and capitalizing on a pivotal foul, Klentner Ranch’s Mariano Obregon put the final Penalty 2 goal on the board, cementing their well-deserved victory 8-6.

Although he could not be with his Western Region team for the NYTS Final earlier in the day, Jake Klentner was eager for the opportunity to step in for his dad in the Pacific Coast Open Final and help bring home the win. “The whole situation is surreal! I’m so thankful to my dad for letting me come out to California to play in this tournament,” Jake Klentner exclaimed. Made by Tara Grey Jewelers, each 2018 Pacific Coast Open winner received a striking ring to commemorate the experience. Showing off his Pacific Coast Open ring, that bore a striking resemblance to a Super Bowl championship ring, Klentner beamed, “Who doesn’t like a ring? I feel like Tom Brady right now!”

Watching his son win such an important tournament, Justin Klentner was proud to see him play in his place. “After last year, we needed to win this,” Justin Klentner remarked. “My hope is that we win it the next 10 years in a row, but after last year’s double overtime, we needed to win it this year. To have Jake win it is better than having me win it to be honest with you. We are looking for the future of American Polo, and here it is! We had three Team USPA players on our team, Remy*, Jesse and Jake. That’s the whole idea and proof that it is helping. NYTS is helping, the USPA is helping, the kids are getting better and they are contributing. I couldn’t be prouder of the whole organization and our organization.”

Most Valuable Player was awarded to Klentner Ranch’s Remy Du Celliee Muller*. “This is my second Pacific Coast Open win and it’s best to win it with friends,” Muller said. “Today I played my best horse, Phoebe, in three chukkers. I got her from Tom Gose and bought her in the spring of 2015 as a five-year-old.”

Best Playing Pony honors were presented to Jesse Bray’s 10-year-old bay mare Venice played in the first and the fifth chukkers. “I got her as a two-year-old off the training track and my dad made her,” Bray shared. “She has been playing well in this tournament and is just starting to peak now.”

www.sbpolo.com

With memories of their devastating double overtime loss to Farmers & Merchants Bank last year, Klentner Ranch was prepared to leave everything on the field and win the 2018 Silver…

North America, Polo News

Texas A&M University teams brought home the title

9. April 2018

A historic moment in intercollegiate competition, both the women’s and the men’s Texas A&M University teams brought home the title, presented by official tournament sponsor U.S. Polo Assn., at the National Intercollegiate Championship (NIC) Finals, held on Saturday, April 7, at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (Carpinteria, California). In the women’s final, Texas A&M easily rode away with the win 14-5 over University of Virginia (UVA), garnering their third national title after a 23-year dry spell. The men’s final proved a bitter battle until the last, TAMU men fighting back in the fourth chukker to tie the score. A powerhouse since the early 1990s, after six grueling rounds of penalty shootouts, they pulled off the win, dashing Southern Methodist University’s (SMU) national title hopes for a second year in a row.

Texas A&M Women Shutdown Defending Champs UVA to Take Home 2018 National Intercollegiate Title

After two runaway semifinals, Texas A&M earned their final spot after a powerful 17-6 semifinal win over California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), Texas A&M met UVA eager to topple the 2017 defending champions. After a hard-fought final, Texas A&M outscored their opponents to take home the Katydid Farm Memorial Trophy 14-5.

Play was powerful from the start, as both teams fought hard for control riding Cal Poly’s quick horses. Unstoppable on offense Texas A&M’s Marissa Wells* scored four unanswered goals in the first while her teammates successfully defended UVA players, clearing her way. The second chukker was characterized by choppy play and numerous fouls. “They played good,” said Texas A&M coach Mike McCleary. “We had a few more fouls than we would have liked, but they played good. We are looking forward to next year already. It was a good season, they worked hard all year long to get here and did well once they got here.” Three consecutive goals for Texas A&M, all off of Well’s mallet, gave the Aggies a substantial lead midway through the second. After the second chukker walk break, UVA came together thanks to accurate penalty conversions by Jessica Schmitt and Sadie Bryant to end the first half 7-2 with Texas A&M on top.

Play resumed in the third with a skilled shot to goal from Texas A&M’s Ally Vaughn who effectively carried the ball on the nearside then switched to the offside to score. She was quickly followed up by Wells who made her eighth and ninth goals of the day. Despite trailing by eight goals, UVA’s spirits were not dampened. Back-to-back UVA field goals by Schmitt and Bryant helped get UVA back in the game to end the third 10-4 in favor of Texas A&M. Although UVA began to find their groove; it was not enough to overcome Texas A&M’s offensive onslaught. The Aggies added four more goals to the tally in the fourth, two from Kendall Plank, to get all three players on the board. UVA countered with only one from Katie Mitcham before the final horn sounded to end the game14-5 crowning Texas A&M the 2018 National Intercollegiate Women’s Champions.

The win held special significance for Plank who is a graduating senior this year, “it means the world to me, we have been in the finals for the past two years, and we lost in the finals both years, so this is a huge moment for me.” When asked what she will miss most about college polo Plank replied, “just being with my team, having this connection, and being able to travel and meet new players. It is so much fun and an experience that I will never forget.”

Women’s All-Stars were awarded to UVA’s Katie Mitcham and Jessica Schmitt, alongside newly-minted champions Kendall Plank and Marissa Wells of Texas A&M. Best Playing Pony honors were presented to Standford University’s Marge played in the second and fourth chukkers.

*Marissa Wells is a member of Team USPA. Team USPA is a USPA program designed to enhance and grow the sport of polo in the United States by identifying young, talented American players and providing mentored training and playing opportunities leading to a pool of higher rated amateur and pro players and the resultant giveback to the sport of polo.

Texas A&M Emerge the Victors After Grueling Six Round Overtime Shootout

SMU arrived at the final after conquering Cornell 14-9 in semifinal competition. Making their first NIC final appearance last year, SMU were eager to prove their worth and found themselves once again face-to-face with the opportunity to make intercollegiate history by capturing their first university title. Pitted against SMU, and equally as passionate to recapture their 2016 title, the formidable Texas A&M, edged past their semifinal opponents UVA 13-11 to secure their final position. Each team on a mission, sparked by more than just friendly rivalry but a valiant campaign, an exhausting game pursued between the evenly-matched squads. Ultimately, the game was decided after a demanding six rounds of overtime penalty shootouts, during which Texas A&M prevailed 13-12.

Trading goals, offensive powerhouses Christian Aycinena (Texas A&M) and JT Shiverick (SMU) dominated first chukker play, a trend that would pervade throughout the entire match. After the first walk break however, Shiverick crushed two field goals to give SMU the lead moving into chukker two 4-2. Not to be outdone, Aycinena countered with two of his own in the second to equalize the score 4-all. Once again, SMU would shine after the walk break, and working cohesively with renewed energy scored three combined field goals, each player contributing to the scoreboard. A goal from Aycinena in answer kept Texas A&M in the game to end the half 7-5, trailing by two.

SMU continued their forward momentum outscoring Texas A&M in the third, substituting Michael Armour for Jake Klentner, to widen the gap and lead 10-7 entering the final chukker. Feeling the pressure, Aycinena rose to the occasion scoring the only two-pointer of the game at the onset of the fourth to close-in on SMU. He was followed up nicely by Fritz Felhaber who equalized the score 10-all. Mirroring first chukker play, Shiverick scored two consecutive goals to regain the lead, but Aycinena struck fast to bring the score within one. As time ran down, SMU Coach Tom Goodspeed swapped out an exhausted Shiverick for a rested Ramon de la Torre, who had time to catch his breath in the first half of the chukker. De la Torre came out swinging, playing the defensive zone striking the ball out the air. Yet, Aycinena’s quick stick scored the final equalizing goal which forced the game into an overtime penalty shootout for the second year in a row.

Three rounds of penalty shootouts each with two successful conversions, one from each team, sent the game into a fourth overtime penalty shootout. Both teams buckling under the influence of stress and fatigue, the fourth round shoot out proved a bust, neither team claiming a goal. The fifth round shot par for the course, Shiverick and Felhaber effectively scoring for their teams, however tied once again the match went into an unbelievable sixth round of penalties. SMU failed to capitalize on their two penalties of the round, while Mariano Silva nailed a booming shot straight to goal and Felhaber followed suit to cement the win for Texas A&M 13-12.

Despite the win, SMU Coach Mike McCleary admitted the suspenseful afternoon was not ideal and was stern in his plans for the young team. “I told them that when we get home, we are going down to the river with a bucket full of balls, a painted line down the middle of the field, and on the grass we are going to hit a bucket of balls at a cone until they can hit the cone at thirty yards nine out of ten times. That’s what we used to do to practice penalties and we are going to have to do it again.”

Game high-scorer Aycinena, with 10 goals on the day, reflected on the win and the power of visualization. “It feels great; we have visualized this since last year. We went out to dinner to Chilis, we took a picture even, and wrote it down that we were going to be national champs. Once you mentally visualize it, I think you can achieve it through hard work.”

McCleary gave some final thoughts on the game and sage advice for players of all ages. “Both teams, had some breakdowns and both teams had some really brilliant plays. It was just a matter of not giving up, you don’t quit just because you are down, you give it all you’ve got.”

Men’s All-Stars were presented to JT Shiverick (SMU), Lorenzo Masias (Cornell), Mariano Silva (Texas A&M) and the now two-time national champion Christian Aycinena (Texas A&M). For the second consecutive year, bay gelding Jaguar, played by Shiverick and Aycinena in the final and owned by George Dill, was bestowed Best Playing Pony honors.

Best Playing String in the women’s division was awarded to Standford and George Dill received Best Playing String for the men’s division.

The Connie Upchurch Award which is presented annually at the National Intercollegiate Tournament to the male and female intercollegiate students who best exhibit the sportsmanship values cherished by Connie Upchurch, was presented to Cornell’s Dan Shaw and UVA’s Sadie Bryant.

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Photo: Jim Bremner/United States Polo Association