NEWS

Written by Julian Marroquin

The much-anticipated Pacific Northwest Circuit Masters Cup Final was played between Lonesome Wind Ranch (Amy Azzaro, Hunter Azzaro, Harrison Azzaro*, Mike Azzaro) and The Bird (Tim Kelly, Jennie Phipps, Peter Blake, Max Menini) on Sunday, July 18, at the Jackson Hole Polo Club (Jackson, Wyoming). Starting off the tournament with four teams (The Bird, Fair Ckats, Shootin’ Skies, Lonesome Wind), the finalists qualified through single-elimination. Played on a well-manicured field on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, the 8-goal final ended in everyone breaking bread, as only polo players can.

Lonesome Wind Ranch started off the final with three goals on handicap and the game started with simple and choreographed exchanges between the two teams. Swift and agile paced play defined the first chukker ending with a score of 3-1 in favor of Lonesome Wind Ranch. The second chukker intensified, both teams putting on great performances. With about two-and-a-half minutes left on the clock, the game was delayed due to necessary substitutions on both sides for injured Blake (Charly Quincoces) and Hunter Azzaro (Alejandro Velez). Lonesome Wind Ranch went into halftime up 5-4.

With the start of the fourth chukker the momentum slowed. Before the chukker ended, Kelly put put in two flawless goals and The Bird took the lead 6-5. Once the fifth chucker began, each team raised the bar and the pace returned to first chukker swiftness. After a goal from Quincoces the tally was 7-5 in favor of The Bird and it looked like they were ready to take a commanding lead into the fifth. However, Mike Azzaro countered with back-to-back goals to equalize the scoreboard 7-all moving into the sixth chukker.

The final chukker showcased strategized plays with two skilled players leading the charge from Harrison Azzaro and Menini. Each scored the last two goals for their respective teams and showcased a will to win along with great synergy and support from their teammates which resulted in another tie to end regulation 8-all. Despite the tie, Lonesome Wind Ranch was awarded the technical victory due to an Outdoor Rule 5 infraction which caused The Bird to forfeit.

Harrison Azzaro was awarded Most Valuable Player. Best Playing Pony honors were presented to Allie, owned and played by Mike Azzaro.

*Harrison Azzaro is an Active 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.