The National Intercollegiate Championship kicked off with the opening round on April 6 at the University of Connecticut’s Horsebarn Hill Arena. Despite a winter storm mix of snow, ice, sleet and rain, Connecticut offered a warm welcome to the top six men’s teams and top four women’s polo teams in the country.

Teams competed through a rigorous regular season, and regional championship tournaments to get their chance on the national stage. Each of the four regional winners automatically advanced, with the option for a wildcard bid to compete.

For the women, Northeastern Regional Champion Cornell University, Southeastern Regional Champion the University of Virginia, Central Regional Champion Texas A&M University and the Western Regional Champion Cal Poly advanced to the championship.

In the Men’s division, Northeastern Regional Champion Cornell University, Southeastern Regional Champion the University of Virginia, Central Regional Champion Texas A&M University and the Western Regional Champion Westmont College advanced. In addition to the four regional champions, the National Host Tournament Committee voted in two wildcard selections: the University of Miami, back from a few decades’ hiatus, and the new intercollegiate program, The University of Western Ontario.

Leading off the tournament were the men’s quarterfinal matches with the University of Virginia meeting Westmont College, and wild card selections Western Ontario and the University of Miami doing battle.

UVA 19, Westmont 10

Action kicked off at 10 a.m. with the University of Virginia versus Westmont College. After a slow start, UVA’s Felipe Gomez scored two goals, but Westmont’s Tony Uretz answered back with a field goal. Following three back-to-back goals from Aristide Faggionato, UVA headed into the end of the first chukker with a 5- 1 advantage. UVA continued to pad its lead in the second chukker, gaining seven additional goals to Westmont’s three.

Westmont rallied behind Uretz and Michael Esparza, who combined for five goals in the third chukker, keeping UVA at bay with only two scores. UVA came back strong in the final chukker, securing its 19-10 victory with an impressive five goals to Westmont’s one.

“The men had a very exciting game against a team and a coach we have a lot of respect for,” said University of Virginia coach Lou Lopez. “We hope to learn a lot from this win and take it to the next two games and win a National Championship.”

Western Ontario 14, Miami 13 To conclude the first round, the University of Western Ontario and the University of Miami took to the arena for a thrilling back-and-forth battle. Though the Western Ontario team was welcomed into the I/I program in the fall of 2015, its players are no strangers to the I/I arena, having competed strongly in the Open Interscholastic Division for years under Toronto Polo Club. Miami, armed with Team USPA members Jonny Lavine and Jared Zenni, was looking to reclaim its position as an elite intercollegiate polo team.

Western Ontario, in its NIC debut, jumped out to an early lead behind CJ Sifton’s Penalty 2 conversion, which was answered by two-pointers from Miami’s Lavine and Zenni. With back-and-forth scoring from both teams, Miami finished the first chukker with a one-goal advantage. Zenni led off the second chukker with three field goals, while Western Ontario was held to a goal from Kingsley Ward. Coming out of the half trailing 7-4, Western Ontario capitalized on a pair of two-pointers, this time from Begg and Evan White, and converted two penalty shots to take an 11-10 lead.

After padding its lead to four, Western Ontario held off Miami’s last minute heroics to secure a 14-13 victory. “Another nail biter!” said University of Western Ontario coach Scott Weir. “Thanks to Miami for a great game. We are looking forward to facing a great team from perennial powerhouse, Texas A&M. We’re excited to play in the semis at Nationals!” On the second day, the four women’s teams took to the arena to determine who would be facing off in the championship on Saturday, April 9.

Cornell 18, California Polytechnic State University 10 Behind Team USPA member Anna Winslow, Cornell’s return to the championship seemed imminent from the beginning of the first chukker.

Winslow’s solo efforts, including a field goal, a two-pointer and a penalty shot, helped provide Cornell with a comfortable 6-1 lead following the first chukker. Winslow started off the second chukker with two goals, matching the combined efforts of Cal Poly’s Trista Noland and Jillian Tietje. Cornell added three more goals, padding its lead to 11-4 heading into the half.

The Big Red seemed unstoppable, adding four goals to the tally, while Cal Poly was held to one goal from Tietje. Cal Poly slowly chiseled away at Cornell’s lead in the third chukker, still trailing 16-8. Both teams finished strong, each scoring two goals with a final score of 18-10. “I’m very happy about returning to the final,” said coach David Eldredge. “The game that Cal Poly gave us was excellent as a semifinal match, preparing the women for the final. Go Big Red!”

Texas A&M vs University of Virginia In the second women’s semifinal matchup, Texas A&M University went toeto- toe with the University of Virginia, the 2015 runner-up. With National All-Star (2014, 2015) and Team USPA member Julia Smith, Virginia hoped to return to the final, while Texas A&M looked to reach their first national final since 2010.

Smith’s first goal for Virginia was quickly matched by Texas A&M’s Marissa Wells, the only goals all chukker. Wells started off the second chukker scoring a Penalty 2, and Lara Straussfeld added a field goal to give Texas A&M a 3-1 lead.

Virginia came alive soon after, going on a five-goal spree, three from Smith and two from Mary Collins, to close out the half. The teams traded goals throughout the third chukker, as Virginia held on to an 11-8 lead. Smith’s lone score in the fourth chukker was not enough to keep Virginia safe. Texas A&M mounted a comeback and ultimately tied the match, 12-all, with less than 15 seconds remaining. With a trip to the final on the line, Texas A&M’s Kendall Plank attained the lone score in the shootout to seal the team’s victory.

“The game was entirely too close! It was an exciting, good game, where both teams played well. A cliff hanger until the end” said Texas A&M coach Mike McCleary.

Texas A&M 23, Western Ontario 16 The men’s semifinals pitted Texas A&M versus the University of Western Ontario, and the University of Virginia versus Cornell University. After falling short in 2015’s championship, Texas A&M returned to this year’s tournament with an intimidating squad, consisting of Team USPA member Cacho Galindo, as well as 2016 Central Region All-Stars Christian Aycinena and Casey Woodfin.

Galindo struck first for Texas A&M, only to be answered by goals from Western Ontario’s Evan White. A little luck from a pony goal combined with penalty shots from Aycinena and Woodfin leveled the match at four goals apiece. Both teams continued firing on all cylinders, ending the first chukker 7-6 in favor of Texas A&M. Aycinena, Galindo and Woodfin each contributed two goals in the second chukker, nearly matched by two goals from White and three goals from Western Ontario’s Andrew Begg, ending the first half 13-11 in favor of Texas A&M.

In the third chukker, Texas A&M padded its lead with goals from Aycinena and Woodfin. Begg responded by capitalizing on a Penalty 5a—worth two points—to keep Western Ontario in contention. Two additional goals gave Texas A&M a 18-13 lead heading into the final chukker. A chance at the championship was looking less likely for Western Ontario. Nonetheless it continued to chip away at Texas A&M’s lead, coming within three goals. Goals from Aycinena, Galindo and Woodfin proved to be too much for Western Ontario in the final chukker. With a final score of 23-16, Texas A&M returned to the championship final.

“I think we need to have 12 All-Stars, and that is just in the men’s division. There are a lot of very talented young folks coming into the program, and a lot of great teams. We are looking forward to playing UVA in the finals, and all the teams in the coming future. They are all All-Stars,” said TAMU coach Mike McCleary.

UVA 13, Cornell 10

Fresh off its win versus Westmont College, UVA was looking for a chance to return to the national final. The first chukker was decided by penalty shots. Felipe Gomez of UVA scored a total of three from the penalty line, while Ignacio “Nacho” Masias scored an impressive five goals (three penalty shots including a twopoint conversion on a penalty 5a and a field goal) to end the first chukker 5-3, in favor of Cornell. Cornell continued in stride into the second chukker with goals from Dan Shaw and Masias along with a pony goal, answered by one goal from Gomez for UVA. At the half, Cornell led 9-4.

UVA came back full throttle after the half, slamming in three unanswered goals early in the chukker. Penalty conversions by Masias and Gomez ended the third chukker 10-8. UVA dominated the fourth chukker with a goal by Gomez and three by Arristide Faggionato to take a two-goal lead. In the final minutes, another goal by Merrall Echezarreta sealed the deal as UVA’s incredible defense kept Cornell scoreless.

With a final score of 13-10, UVA earned the chance to reclaim its 2011 and 2012 national titles, this time facing Texas A&M in the final. “The men pulled off a fantastic, comefrom- behind win to give them an opportunity with Texas A&M in the finals. We are excited just to be there, win or lose—we have met our goals for the year,” said UVA coach Lopez.

Cornell 13, Texas A&M 11 Kicking off the championship action, the No. 1-seeded Cornell University women’s team took to the arena to defend its title against a hungry Texas A&M squad. Cornell attacked fast and early in the first chukker, with Elena Wicker and Anna Winslow combining for four goals. Texas A&M refused to give in without a fight, as Lara Straussfeld scored a goal and Marissa Wells capitalized on a Penalty 3 to keep her squad within two. Cornell’s ferocious second-chukker attack was stifled to a lone goal by Winslow, as Texas A&M tacked on five more goals to end the second chukker ahead 7-5.

Both teams fought hard throughout the third chukker, trading goals evenly as Texas A&M held onto its 10-8 lead heading into the final chukker. With time slipping away, Cornell came alive, rallying off five unanswered goals to take the 15-8 lead. Straussfeld’s last-minute score kept her team within two, but it was ultimately not enough, as Cornell held on strong to win the match 13-11.

The win marks the Cornell women’s 15th national title in 29 championship appearances, building upon its reputation as the most dominant women’s collegiate polo program.

“A great game for the Cornell women, as their composure and experience showed when they did not get rattled at being behind,” said Cornell University coach David Eldredge. “They w ere calm and confident as they entered the fourth and brought home the trophy. They represented Cornell with great sportsmanship and pride. I’m very proud of them.”

“Hats off to the Lady Big Red on a spectacular win today,” said Duncan Huyler, CEO, United States Polo Association and Cornell alumnus. “It was a true team effort, and the women performed exceptionally well against a talented Texas A&M squad.”

Following the championship trophy presentation, Texas A&M’s Wells and Cornell’s Wicker and Winslow, along with UVA’s Julia Smith were all named National All-Stars for the 2016 USPA National Intercollegiate Championships.

Juanita won Best Playing Pony. The mare is part of the Cornell women’s string, which was name Best Playing String. The Connie Upchurch Sportsmanship award, presented by Texas A&M’s Celine Henke, was awarded to fellow Texas A&M player and teammate Lara Straussfeld.

Texas A&M 16, UVA 15 After witnessing the women’s teams battle it out, Texas A&M and the University of Virginia met to determine who would be taking the Men’s 2016 USPA National Intercollegiate Championship title back to their campus. Runners-up in last year’s tournament, the Texas A&M men returned determined to reclaim what they believe was rightfully theirs.

Texas A&M’s Cacho Galindo jumped out of the gate with two goals. Virginia’s Aristide Faggionato followed with a goal, only to have Texas A&M’s Casey Woodfin tack on one of his own. Virginia’s Felipe Gomez caught fire, scoring three to end the first chukker 4-3 in favor of Virginia. Trading off goals in the second chukker, Texas A&M added on five to Virginia’s four to even the score at 8-8 at the half.

Woodfin’s solo heroics with three goals in the third (including a twopointer) helped keep the match even at 13 apiece heading into the final chukker. Texas A&M’s Christian Aycinena and Woodfin’s combined three goal effort was answered by a two-goal rally from Virginia late in the final chukker. With merely seconds left on the clock, Texas A&M’s stellar defensive proved to be enough to hold on, granting the Aggies its ninth national title.

"Good teamwork and glad we won,” said Texas A&M University coach Mike McCleary. “This one was too darn close for comfort.”

Texas A&M’s Galindo and Virginia’s Gomez were both named National All- Stars for their exceptional performances in this year’s tournament, alongside Nacho Masias of Cornell and Andrew Begg of the University of Western Ontario. Texas A&M alternate Dalton Woodfin, brother to Casey Woodfin, was presented with the Connie Upchurch Sportsmanship Award.

Best Playing Men’s String went to the University of Connecticut, while Best Playing Pony was awarded to the Yaleowned Narvaja.

A very special thank you to the host, the University of Connecticut; our horse providers: the University of Connecticut, Cornell University, the University of Virginia, Marlan Farm, and Yale University; and to USPA Umpires, LLC professional umpires Bradley Biddle, Robert Lyn-Kee-Chow, Ronnie Hayes and Danny Scheraga. Congratulations to the players, coaches and parents on an outstanding tournament and season!

PHOTOS BY MIKE RYAN AND ELIZABETH HEDLEY