Saturday April 9th UVA men’s and women’s teams earned the title of National Champions!
The day started with an impressive victory by the UVA women’s team over the University of Kentucky women, 17-9. The women demonstrated the power of teamwork throughout the game as they worked together to dominate UK. Liz Owens shone as she continuously positioned herself in the right place at the right time, alternately hitting, including an open backshot into goal in the fifth chukker, and covering opponents. First year Alana Benz was a powerhouse in the first four chukkers, providing a strong defense to mitigate the other team and was followed by more defense and assists from Grace Burgert in the final two chukkers. Thanks to their efforts Maddie Grant was able to play an open, running game and score an impressive 2-point nearside backshot into goal the final chukker of the game.
The men’s final against University of North Texas was a fast game with strong defense played by both teams resulting in a low score for the first half. The teams entered halftime tied with 3 points each on the scoreboard.
The UVA men took the fourth chukker by storm with Jack McLean coming out of the first line up with the ball and taking it to goal. Throughout the game the men exhibited strong teamwork, supporting each other with defensive plays and strategically using the wall to protect the ball as they carried it to the goal under pressure. Brennan Wells was consistently successful with his penalty shots and the Cavaliers never lost the lead they established in the fourth chukker, continuing to raise the score to an ultimate tournament win with a score of 13-7.
UVA players and ponies were also highly decorated in the awards ceremony. UVA ponies won best playing strings for both men’s and women’s, Bella won Women’s Best Playing Pony and Nemo won Men’s Best Playing Pony. Men’s best playing string featured: Minnie, Viuda, Dumptruck, Sorpresa, Red, Nemo, and Mary & Women’s Best Playing String featured: Mosenita, Valentina, Lolita, Whiskey, Legendaria, Bella and Galleta. Along with the award-winning ponies, four UVA players earned All Star Awards: Brennan Wells, Jack McLean, Alana Benz and Maddie Grant. Brennan Wells won the horsemanship award.
The tournament win was particularly sweet for the students after weathering the disappointment of canceled nationals’ tournaments for the last two years due to COVID-19.
Coach Lou Lopez said about the national championship teams, “They earned the wins. They had to play really hard offensively and defensively to win, and they were really focused going up to the start of the tournament knowing they’d have to do that.”
The crowd watching the tournament was impressive, Virginia Polo alumni, UVA students, parents, and locals flocked to support the teams. Coach Lopez said, “It’s the largest crowd I’ve ever seen at Virginia Polo.”
