NEWS

2017 has proven to be a barrier breaking year for women in polo in the United States. The continued success of the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship™, the creation of women’s arena handicaps and subsequent addition of the Women’s Arena Open and Handicap to the national schedule, as well as multiple international appearances, prove that women’s polo is gaining traction nationwide. Not only an American phenomenon however, the success of women’s polo is being recognized globally, culminating in an extraordinary step by the Asociacion Argentina de Polo (AAP) with the creation of the first Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo Femenino. The Argentine Open Women’s Championship, slated to begin on Tuesday, November 21, was delayed due to rain and first round games will begin Wednesday, November 22. One of the most important women’s tournaments in the world, the competition will take place on the AAP fields in Pilar and the final will be showcased at Palermo Field 2 before the Argentine Open Final on December 2, which will be livestreamed on ESPN Play.

The history making tournament will feature six teams between 23 and 30 goals and will run simultaneously with the 124º Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo. An American invasion, the United States will be well represented with six women participating on two teams. High-goal polo staple Maureen Brennan will team up with Team USPA member Julia Smith representing half of the La Varzea Goose Creek team. Meanwhile, Santa Maria de Lobos features 2017 U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship™ champion Dawn Jones, alongside Clarissa Echezarreta, Tiffany Busch and USPA Women’s Committee Chairman Erica Gandomcar-Sachs—the only all-American team in the competition. Interestingly, all six Americans will meet in the opening match of the tournament.

“Innovation is a necessary element for any industry and I sense a real enthusiasm and forward thinking surrounding the Abierto Femenino by not just women but the entire community,” said Maureen Brennan. “It symbolizes a real shift in possibilities of polo for women. The AAP has its own ‘house’ to showcase important events and they are using that platform to elevate women’s polo. This will be the highest handicap official women’s tournament I will have ever played. It is important to me to both support this tournament and participate as there is only ever ‘one inaugural event.’ I am happy to be sharing this experience with my long-time teammate Julia Smith.” While Brennan admits not being mounted on their own horses will be a struggle against the competition, La Varzea Goose Creek have been trying many horses and even played a warm-up tournament to prepare. “We will keep the strategy simple and make the best selection of horses that we have tried,” she confided.

Santa Maria de Lobos’ Clarissa Echezarreta, forfeiting the opportunity to participate in the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship™ with San Saba, arrived in Argentina three weeks prior to the tournament to organize horses and represent the team in a flurry of media and press presentations. “My teammates arrived this week,” said Echezarreta, “and we have been discussing team strategy and playing practice.” When asked the significance of this tournament on women’s polo on a whole Echezarreta answered confidently, “I think more women will be inspired to play polo in Argentina and to improve their game. I think it is a good incentive for women to learn more about the game of polo and to practice playing at a higher level.” The USPA is proud to see American players represented internationally and the Association congratulates these pioneers of the sport on their hard work and dedication to the advancement of women’s polo. Members visiting Argentina are highly encouraged to attend the first-round games in Pilar and don’t forget to arrive early to the Open Final to see the women take over Palermo Field 2. fans in the U.S. can watch the final live on December 2 at 12:00pm ET by clicking here.

Ellerstina 3-0 (30): Clara Cassino (6), Hazel Jackson-Gaona (8), Lia Salvo (9), Sarah Wiseman (7)

La Dolfina Brava 3-0 (27): Mia Cambiaso (5), Milagros Fernandez Araujo (6), Nina Clarkin (10), Candelaria Fernandez Araujo (6)

Santa Maria de Lobos 2-1 (25): Dawn Jones (6), Erica Gandomcar-Sachs (6), Tiffany Busch (7), Clarrisa Echezarreta (6)

La Dolfina Brava II 1-2 (25): Mia Novillo Astrada (4), Tamara Fox (7), Maria Bellande (6), Paola Martinez (8)

La Dolfina Cria Fax 0-3 (24): Camila Rossi (5), Marianela Castanola (8), Emma Tomlinson (5), Eva Bruhl (6).

La Varzea Goose Creek 0-3 (23): Julia Smith (5), Maureen Brennan (6), Annabel McNaught-Davis (6), Caroline Anier (6)

**All times written in Argentina local time. Directions to Pilar Fields can be found by clicking here.**

Wednesday, November 22 - Sede Alfredo Lalor in Pilar
Santa María de Lobos def. La Varzea Goose Creek 8-4
La Dolfina Brava def. La Dolfina Cría Fax 14-3
Ellerstina def. La Dolfina Brava II 7-4

Friday, November 24 - Sede Alfredo Lalor in Pilar
La Dolfina Brava def. La Varzea Goose Creek 16-2
Ellerstina def. La Dolfina Cría Fax 14-3
La Dolfina Brava II def. Santa María de Lobos 7-6

Sunday, November 26 - Sede Alfredo Lalor in Pilar
Ellerstina def. La Varzea Goose Creek 16-2
La Dolfina Brava def. La Dolfina Brava II 11-6
Santa María de Lobos def. La Dolfina Cría Fax 8-4

Semifinals - Tuesday, November 28 - Sede Alfredo Lalor in Pilar
3:30pm: Ellerstina vs. Santa Maria de Lobos
5:00pm: La Dolfina Brava vs. La Dolfina Brava II

Final - Saturday, December 2 – Palermo Field 2
2:00pm (12:00pm ET): Winner of Game A vs. Winner of Game B