NEWS

Men’s Semifinal action in the 2016 National Intercollegiate Championships (NIC) took place yesterday at the University of Connecticut’s Horsebarn Hill Arena. With a trip to Saturday’s Championship match on the line, Texas A&M University defeated the University of Western Ontario (23-16) and University of Virginia triumphed over Cornell (13-10).

After falling short in 2015’s Championship, Texas A&M returned to this year’s tournament with an intimidating squad, consisting of Team USPA member Cacho Galindo, as well as 2016 Central Region All-Stars Christian Aycinena and Casey Woodfin. Galindo struck first for Texas A&M, followed by three unanswered goals from Western Ontario’s Evan White. A little luck from a pony goal combined with penalty shots from Aycinena and Woodfin would level the match at four goals apiece. Both teams continued firing on all cylinders, ending the first chukker 7-6 in favor of Texas A&M. Aycinena, Galindo and Woodfin each contributed two goals in the second chukker, nearly matched by two goals from White and three goals from Western Ontario’s Andrew Begg, ending the first half 13-11 in favor of Texas A&M.

In the third chukker, Texas A&M padded their lead with goals from Aycinena and Woodfin. Begg responded by capitalizing on a penalty 5a – worth two points – to keep Western Ontario in contention. Two additional goals gave Texas A&M an 18-13 lead heading into the final chukker. With a trip to the championship slowly fading from sight, Western Ontario chipped away at Texas A&M’s lead, coming within three goals. Yet, goals from Aycinena, Galindo and Woodfin proved to be too much for Western Ontario in the final chukker. With a final score of 23-16, Texas A&M returns to the finals on Saturday, April 9 against the University of Virginia. “I think we need to have 12 All-Stars, and that’s just in the men’s division. There are a lot of very talented young folks coming into the program, and a lot of great teams. We are looking forward to playing UVA in the finals, and all the teams in the coming future. They are all All-Stars,” said TAMU Coach, Mike McCleary.

Fresh off their win against Westmont College, UVA was looking for a chance to return to the National Finals. The first chukker would be decided by penalty shots. Felipe Gomez of UVA scored a total of three penalty shots, while Ignacio “Nacho” Masias scored an impressive five total goals (including three penalty shots, a two-point conversion on a penalty 5a and a field goal) to end the first chukker 5-3, in favor of Cornell. Cornell continued in stride into the second chukker with three goals from Dan Shaw and Masias, along with a pony goal, answered by one goal from Gomez for UVA. At the half, Cornell led 9-4.

UVA came back full throttle after the half, with three unanswered goals to start the chukker. Penalty conversions by Masias and Gomez for their respective teams, ended the third chukker 10-8, UVA within two goals. UVA dominated in the fourth chukker. One goal by Gomez and three goals by Aristide Faggionato, put UVA in the lead by two. In the final minutes, another goal by Merrall Echezarreta sealed the deal as UVA’s incredible defense kept Cornell scoreless. With a final score of 13-10, UVA has the opportunity to reclaim their back to back 2011 & 2012 National title against Texas A&M in the Finals on Saturday.

“The men pulled off a fantastic, come from behind, win to give them an opportunity with Texas A&M in the finals. We are excited just to be there, win or lose – we have met our goals for the year,” stated UVA Coach, Lou Lopez.

Tournament action continues on Saturday, April 9 with the Women’s Championship featuring the 2015 Defending Champions, Cornell University, against Texas A&M University at 12pm ET, followed by the Men’s Championship at 3pm ET. Both finals will be livestreamed on ChukkerTV.com.