The men’s polo team triumphed over the Toronto Polo Club last Saturday night at the Oxley Equestrian Center, 16-12, improving its season record to 9-5 overall.
“Everyone was able to contribute this weekend, which is just what I was looking for,” said head coach David Eldredge ’81. “It did not take just one person’s spectacular game for us to win.”
Traditionally, Toronto — a semi professional polo club — is a tough opponent for the Red, and prepares the team well for the regional championships the following week.
“Overall, I was very happy with how the team played this weekend,” Eldredge said. “We knew it was going to be a challenge.”
Seniors Senter Johnson and Jeff Markle, along with freshman Brian Fairclough, started the game and played a very strong first half, staking the Red to a 4-1 lead.
During the third chukker, Toronto cut the lead to two, but Cornell rallied in the fourth to earn the victory.
“The entire game was close, but we managed to pull far enough ahead in the fourth chukker so that we could cruise to victory,” said Eldredge.
The men will open against Yale this Friday in the Oxley Equestrian Center. The Red hope to better its record in hopes of qualifying for the national championships in April.
The women’s polo team was not as fortunate as the men this weekend, falling 11-8 to visiting Toronto. the loss dropped Cornell’s season record to 7-7 overall. The Red was without the services of All-American senior Molly Buck due to an injury.
“Not having Molly there makes us weaker from the beginning,” Eldredge said. “She is one of the top players in the country, so not having her in there certainly contributes [to the loss].”
Sophomore Julie Nicholson and seniors Lindsey Scheer and Harriet Antczak started the contest for the Red, allowing Toronto jump out to an early 4-1 lead after the first chukker. Sophomore Ariel Katz entered the game during the second chukker, but her efforts could not prevent Toronto from holding on to its lead.
“The women really stepped it up without Molly and I was extremely happy with their performance,” Eldredge said. “It was a fast-paced game, as we expected. Toronto has always been tough, but it is a good game for us.”
The women’s squad returns to Oxley arena this Saturday to compete against Yale in the regional tournament. With Buck expecting to return, the Red are optimistic going into the weekend.
“Molly is hoping to get fully cleared to compete this weekend, which will make a great difference,” said Eldredge. “She is excited about being able to play again.”
Archived article by Erin Garry
Sun Contributor