NEWS

The Gladiator Polo™ “Battle for North Carolina” saw Team Charlotte, sponsored by North Carolina Education Lottery, avenge last year’s loss to defeat Team Asheville, sponsored by Ingles Markets, 13-12, after an intense battle in the George Morris Arena at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

Team Asheville was held scoreless until the second chukker and trailed by four until the fifth, but the match came down to the final second of play. Team Asheville was able to score a trio of goals, closing the gap in the fifth chukker and trailing by one headed into the sixth. Tommy Collingwood was able to slam a two-point goal to keep Charlotte’s dream alive, and when the final horn sounded, the team in teal remained on top.

Team Asheville was comprised of Santi “The Polo Kid” Torres, Nano “The Snake” Gracida, and Patrick “Tricky” Uretz, in purple. Team Charlotte saw teal jerseys donned by Mariano “Nino” Obregon, Tommy “The Great White Shark” Collingwood, and Kris “Colorado” Kampsen. Collingwood, a newcomer to Gladiator Polo™, scored the first goal of the match as well as the two-point shot that sealed the deal for Team Charlotte, ultimately being named the night’s Most Valuable Player for his efforts.

Collingwood, two-time winner of the $100,000 World Cup, complimented his team’s chemistry. “This game was crazy. Team Asheville was pretty unlucky when we took the seven-goal lead, which can sometimes come back to bite you, and it almost did,” he admitted. “In the second half, Team Asheville played unbelievably and almost took the game right out of our hands, but luckily we got a few quick goals at the end which gave us the lead. The great thing about our team is we all get along very well, which kept it very natural despite the intensity.”

Both Kampsen and Obregon credited Collingwood with the victory, and acknowledged that Team Asheville would not go down without a fight. “It got very rough and physical, with Asheville really bringing physicality to the game,” Kampsen said. “They had an unfortunate first few chukkers, and we were lucky to capitalize on that because it helped us hang on to the lead at the end. Tommy saved us with the two-pointer – that was huge. Our plan always was to play strong defense, and allow that to lead us into offense.”

Heading into next week’s final, Team Charlotte plans to study film and discuss strategy to overcome Team Greenville, and all players emphasized the importance of a good North Carolina crowd against the strong South Carolina opponent. “Come cheer us on in the finals, North Carolina! We’re going to need you,” Obregon urged. The “Battle for the Carolinas” Series presented by Coca-Cola® will conclude on Saturday, June 23. Team Charlotte will compete against Team Greenville for the coveted champion title.

Click here to purchase asado and VIP tickets for the “Battle for the Carolinas” presented by Coca-Cola®. For more information on Gladiator Polo™, please visit www.gladiatorpolo.com.

All photos ©TIEC.