NEWS

Returning for the fourth consecutive year, the National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS) Girls’ Championship for the Hale Family Cup, culminated in a matchup between Ever Ready (Sofia Ward, Winifred Branscum, Mila Slutzky, Aurora Knox) and Delta Dawn (Marlin Taylor, Sophia DeAngelis, Isabelle Brockett, Tennyson Barclay Hamir) at the picturesque La Herradura Polo Club in Santa Ynez, California, on Sunday, September 15. Each team’s skills were honed by coaches Hope Arellano* (Ever Ready) and Mariano “Nano” Gracida (Delta Dawn). Evenly matched from the outset, Delta Dawn pulled away in a dominant second chukker. The ladies in yellow never took their foot off the gas, scoring two goals in each period of the second half to maintain the lead throughout the game and triumph with a resounding 8-2 final score.

Ever Ready reached the final in a thrilling shootout, with Slutzky scoring the decisive goal against Nebraska Sunset (Hattie Ward, Lauren Patoile, Valentina Tarazona, Jordan Fikes). On Ever Ready, defending champions Ward and Branscum were eager to uphold their NYTS title, while DeAngelis and Brockett were poised for redemption after falling short in last year’s final.

Playing a four-chukker match, Ever Ready’s Branscum struck first, but Delta Dawn's dynamic duo, DeAngelis and Taylor quickly responded with unbeatable teamwork, putting yellow on the scoreboard. Delta Dawn maintained possession for much of the first half. Gaining momentum in the second, Brockett and Barclay Hamir added to the score. Taking advantage of opportunities at the penalty line while creating space on the field, Delta Dawn was able to hold Ever Ready to a 3-1 lead in the first half.

Showcasing a complete team effort, DeAngelis added a goal in the third to place all four Delta Dawn players on the scoreboard. Ever Ready continued to apply pressure, Knox scoring a field goal in the fourth, but ultimately yellow could not be stopped, galloping away with an 8-2 triumph.

Marlin Taylor was presented with the Horsemanship Award for her outstanding and consistent performance as a horsewoman both on and off the field. Ever Ready’s Aurora Knox received the Beal Family Sportsmanship Award presented by the American International Polo Foundation (AIPF) for her continued positive attitude, fairness and support of her peers throughout the tournament.

The National Youth Tournament Series Championship Hale Family Cup final is now available On-Demand. Guest commentator and women’s 10-goaler Hazel Jackson joins the broadcast alongside USPA Polo Network’s Toby Wayman and Cody Offen, providing in-depth knowledge and insights into the sport.

*Hope Arellano is an Active 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 courtesy of ©David Lominska.