NEWS

Fielding an impressive 10 teams, the Delegate’s Cup concluded on Saturday, October 17, at Houston Polo Club (Houston, Texas) in a matchup between two undefeated teams, Roxstars/Vintage Polo 1 (Roxy Mounter, Lily Lequerica, Jimmy Seward, Shane Rice) and Sullivan Group/Vintage Polo 2 (Joe Bob Lequerica, Joanie Jackson, Nick Cifuni, Cody Ellis*). Utilizing the experience of Seward and Rice, Roxstars/Vintage Polo 1 executed their game plan by effectively marking their defenders and producing a balanced team offense to capture the trophy and the $2,500 prize money with a 6-4 victory.

Defense highlighted the first chukker, leaving the scoreboard stuck on zeros. Mounter and Lily Lequerica worked tirelessly off the ball, limiting any runs to goal for Sullivan Group/Vintage Polo 2 with the work paying off throughout the first half. The momentum shifted to Roxstars/Vintage Polo 1 when Rice broke through to open the scoring followed by a Penalty 1 to extend the score 2-0. Rice’s second field goal of the chukker concluded the first half. Highlighting their use of defense to ignite their offense, Roxstars/Vintage Polo 1 held a 3-0 lead.

Reorganizing their attack, Sullivan Group/Vintage Polo 2 were determined to close the gap in the opening stages of the second half. A Penalty 3 conversion for Jackson got the ball rolling for her team, contributing to a three-goal third chukker that saw Ellis come forward from the back to score two field goals. Responding for Roxstars/Vintage Polo 1, Seward’s field goal kept his team holding a narrow lead entering the final chukker. Fighting back from the first half deficit, Ellis converted a Penalty 2, tying the score at 4-all, leaving the final few minutes to determine the champion. The attack of Roxstars/Vintage Polo 1 pushed downfield and received their second Penalty 1 of the game to restore the lead. With the clock winding down, Rice secured the 6-4 victory, scoring his third goal and leading Roxstars/Vintage Polo 1 to the title. “Horses! And good teammates” exclaimed Seward after the victory, describing the reason behind Roxstars/Vintage Polo 1’s success.

“It was great to see three players under 20 all in the final, and for it to be a good game, was the coolest part of it. Always great to see up-and-coming youth in a final” said Rice, who was awarded Most Valuable Player.

Cody Ellis’ first chukker bay Gato received Best Playing Pony. A 6-year old appendix, Gato was raised by the Lequerica family out of a mare from Cathy Crebbs. “This is his first season of tournament polo and he has given everything I’ve asked of him. I can’t wait to see what his future has in store,” Ellis shared.

Moving up and competing in her first six-goal season, Mounter was pleased with the results. “This has been such a fun season for me! I’ve previously played with Shane in the Pro-Am, but this is my first six-goal season. Shane and Jimmy are both great coaches on and off the field, and Lily is a superb teammate, and such a fierce competitor! We are looking forward to the next one!”

*Cody Ellis is a Graduating Team USPA member. 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.

All photos courtesy of ©Kaylee Wroe Photography.