NEWS

The OKC Polo Club in Jones, Oklahoma, was excited to host the Great Plains Circuit Arena Women’s Challenge on Sunday, June 23. Despite the heat and looming storm predictions, the chukkers went on as planned and provided a great day of entertainment for all spectators in attendance.

Players from around the state competed in the all-women’s tournament with an all female officiating crew including USPA professional umpire Robin Welker Sanchez, and certified umpires Devan Groves and Tess Sabatini. The tournament featured a round-robin with three teams vying for the tournament title.

The white team was composed of Allison Thomas, Rachel Hanson and Carolyn Downey. The green team featured Michelle LaVasque, Sarah Powers and Kiana Nieves and the blue team included Karson Bizzell, Nancy Shaw and Alyssa Ashby. “Each team was anchored by an experienced student player which made each game competitive and exciting for the players as well as a crowd pleaser,” said Club President and Manager, David Ragland.

The white team narrowly took the first chukker, defeating the green team 3-2. The blue team was up next, winning the second chukker 1-0 over the green team. Led by Oklahoma State University Polo Club President, Alison Thomas, white dominated in the third, outscoring the blue team to sweep the final chukker and the tournament title 5-0.

Best Playing Pony was presented to Thunder, owned by David Ragland and played by Rachel Hanson. Most Valuable Player was awarded to Karson Bizzell and Kiana Nieves received the Sportsmanship Award.

It was a great day for polo and both players and spectators were treated to a delicious barbecue to cap off the afternoon.