NEWS

On September 7-9, alumni from across the Northeast gathered to play the 2018 Feldman Cup at Bloomfield Farm in Saratoga Springs, New York. The Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) alumni tournament saw three former I/I teams competing for the top prize. The round-robin tournament had the UCONN alumni team taking on Bloomfield in the first round. UCONN’s Rory Torrey came out strong in the first knocking in five goals including two straight Penalty 3’s that hit dead center of the goal mouth. Teammate Megan Schultz added a goal of her own to help UCONN keep a slight edge in the first half over Bloomfield. Bloomfield’s Will Orthwein, not to be outdone, put in four for his team to end the half. The start of the next chukker saw great team play from Bloomfield with Tabitha Orthwein adding a goal and Morgan O’Brien showing a strong defensive game. Rachel Ward of UCONN and Torrey added a goal each, but the strong UCONN alumni team could not hold off a surging Bloomfield who took the first game 11-8.

Game 2 saw Bloomfield continue their strong play against the Melinda’s Prospect team made up of Horse Park alum Aaron Schneider, Cornell Interscholastic alum Freida Witmer, and Garrison Forest School Interscholastic and Cornell Intercollegiate alum Anna Winslow. Melinda’s Prospect’s Winslow took the ball out of the line up straight to goal to get her team on the board first. Bloomfield’s Tabitha Orthwein was quick to respond with a two-pointer. Melinda’s Prospect’s Witmer came out strong in the second half with a two-point shot to close the gap, but it was not enough to catch Bloomfield as they ended their second game up by two with a final goal by Morgan O’Brien.

The third game of the round-robin had the UCONN alum and Melinda’s Prospect facing off. UCONN’s Rachel Ward took the ball out of the lineup towards goal only to have Aaron Schneider of Melinda’s Prospect make a quick hook and backshot. Teammate Winslow took it straight to goal securing the early lead. UCONN’s Torrey responded with two of his own and the chukker ended tied at three. The last half of the game had back and forth action with Melinda’s Prospects and UCONN ending 5-5.

Congratulations to Bloomfield’s Will Orthwein, Tabitha Orthwein and Morgan O’Brien for taking home the 2018 USPA Feldman Cup. Epic-Skidmore's pony Clarita, played by Morgan O’Brien in the third was awarded Best Playing Pony for the weekend.

*Anna Winslow is a member of Team USPA. 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 ©Ruth Witmer