NEWS

Hope Arellano* and her team La Irenita were very close to capturing the Argentine Women’s Open earlier this month. After a superb first round where they outscored the former two-time champions and title contenders El Overo Z7 UAE 12-6 to advance to the final, they met the formidable La Dolfina at Palermo’s Field 2 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. After a slow start in the first, La Irenita pushed their way back and managed to trail by just two goals, but ultimately lost the game 10-6.

“To be honest this has been an incredible experience. To play with Mili, Izzy and Fati is something super special, and to be able to play with this team and make it to the final in Palermo has been incredible,” Hope told CLICKPOLO after the match.

La Irenita might have lost the match, but the team is and should certainly be proud of their efforts. The players hugged and consoled each other after the match and were surrounded by friends and family. Hope’s brother Lucas was supporting her from the pony lines throughout the tournament, while her uncle Carlucho beamed with pride in his niece from start to finish.

Hope continued, “This entire time in Argentina has been amazing. I'm super thankful to Matias Magrini, who mounted me, the La Irenita organization who helped us, and to everyone who has made it possible. It takes so many people to make it possible. I'm very grateful to be part of this experience, it's been amazing.”

Detailing her perspective of the match, Hope added, "We started slow. I think we got a little shock[ed] in the beginning. We were able to bring it back and play a little bit better in the end. We played against La Dolfina, an incredible team with four amazing players. I'm happy for them too, they played really well."

Returning to the United States for the holidays, Hope will gear up for the winter season in Wellington, Florida, especially the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship, which will take place in March. Hope will play for La Fe alongside Pamela Flanagan and Hazel Jackson.

*Hope Arellano is an Active 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 ©Guadalupe Aizaga.