NEWS

Crestview Genetics hot off their win in the Pete Bostwick Memorial, once again took center stage in the Tommy Hitchcock Memorial Final held at New Bridge Polo & Country Club in Aiken, South Carolina. Undefeated Crestview Genetics comprised of Lucas Diaz Alberdi (5 goals), Pedro Manion (3 goals), Alan Meeker (A) and Hugo Lloret (5 goals) defeated Bliss Polo formed by Polo Baez (3 goals), Mason Lampton (A), Alan Martinez (5 goals) and Eddy Martinez (4 goals). Bliss Polo received one goal on handicap at the onset of the game, which was quickly matched by a field goal from Crestview Genetics’ Lloret. Baez put the first field goal on the board for Bliss Polo, but was countered by two combined goals from Manion and Diaz Alberdi to take the lead 3-2 at the end of the first. Crestview Genetics continued their forward momentum holding Bliss Polo to only two goals in the third, and scoring four combined goals to end the first half with a three goal lead 7-4.

The teams traded goals in the fourth to maintain the gap. Crestview Genetics capitalized on two open goal penalties to more than double their lead 11-5 moving into the final chukker. Bliss Polo rallied in the sixth, Eddy Martinez single-handedly outscoring Crestview Genetics with three goals, including two penalty conversions off the 60-yard line. A goal from Manion widened Crestview Genetics’ lead for a final score 12-8.

Most Valuable Player was awarded to Lucas Diaz Alberdi for exceptional play, Alberdi was recently raised to five goals as of June 1. Best Playing Pony honors were awarded to Hugo Lloret’s fifth chukker, 7-year-old American Appendix mare Pacha, trained by Eddie Osses.

All photos © Katie Roth