ACTION U S O P E N W O M E N ’ S C H A M P I O N S H I P, P O R T M AYA C A P O LO C LU B , F LO R I D A , M A R C H 2 0 2 3
WOMEN’S US OPEN La Fe stormed to victory on their debut in the US Open Women’s Polo Championship final
A week of high-calibre women’s polo hosted by Port Mayaca Polo Club in Okeechobee, Florida, culminated in the illustrious US Open Women’s Polo Championship presented by Eastern Hay. For the first time the final, which took place on 19 March, was held as the featured Sunday match on the legendary US Polo Assn. Field One at the National Polo Center. Despite looming rain in the forecast, the most prestigious women’s cup in American polo pitted competition newcomer La Fe (Winifred Branscum,
Pamela Flanagan, Hope Arellano and Hazel Jackson) against Dundas (Ana de la Fuente, Erica Gandomcar-Sachs, Mia Cambiaso and Nina Clarkin) with $40,000 in prize money on the line. Relying on non-stop offensive firepower, especially from 8-goal American Hope Arellano, La Fe launched an impressive effort that ended in a dominant 12-6 first-time victory. Previously, on Saturday 18 March, the third-place play-off saw San Saba defeat El Cid Fitness 8-3 to claim the bronze position.
In their journey to the final, Dundas faced an early setback when team owner Sarah Siegel-Magness suffered an injury in the first game. Valentina Tarazona filled in during the initial game and Ana de la Fuente took over for the rest of the competition. Discussing La Fe’s team strategy for the final, English rider, Hazel Jackson commented, ‘The main thing for us was “initiate”. Initiate the defence first, and then attack. Our plan was supposed to be much more disciplined with the man, and then we go on attack.’
DAVID LOMINSKA
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