2017 finalists Rocking P and first-time qualifiers Midland Polo Club met in the US Open Women’s Polo Championship Final on Sunday, November 11, at Tonkawa in Brookshire, Texas. An uncharacteristic women’s week, significant rainfall led to the U.S. Open Women’s Handicap (played simultaneously) to be moved to the arena, while Open Championship games were played on back-to-back days with remarkable upsets in preliminary play. The week was a whirlwind of unexpected activity and the superbly staffed and well-organized Houston Polo Club pulled off an outstanding tournament, each game bringing forth fast, competitive polo at the highest level. Hungry for a tournament win after losing in overtime to San Saba in 2017, Rocking P worked as a well-oiled machine to dominate the Women’s Open Final 10-2 after four chukkers.

Rocking P’s Hazel Jackson quickly capitalized converting a penalty, followed closely by a field goal from teammate Lottie Lamacraft for an early lead. Midland Polo Club’s efforts to score fell short, resulting in a shutout first chukker. Midland Polo Club managed one goal in the remainder of the first half off the mallet of Tiamo Hudspeth, but an unstoppable Jackson continued to shoot on goal, Rocking P leading the charge at halftime 4-1.

Plays and strategies were discussed during the divot stomp and hungry for a comeback Midland Polo Club reorganized their team under the direction of coach Corky Linfoot. Izzy Parsons worked hard to create goal shot opportunities for her team, but Midland Polo Club struggled to hold back Rocking P’s Jackson, as she hammered in three consecutive shots. The gap widened, Midland Polo Club put up a solid fight until the bitter end, yet was unable to overtake the seasoned Rocking P team. Hudspeth managed one more goal for her team, a neckshot off grey mare Pringa before the final horn sounded, signaling Rocking P’s victory 10-2.

MVP: Hazel Jackson.

Professional BPP: Maxima. Owned by Marcos Villanueva and played by Hazel Jackson.

Amateur BPP: Emma. Owned by the Price family and ridden by Courtney Price.

TEAMS:

ROCKING P: Courtney Price 3, Lottie Lamacraft 5, Hazel Jackson 9, Tiva Gross 6. Total: 23.

MIDLAND: Molly Smith 3, Tiamo Hudspeth 5, Dayelle Fargey 6, Izzy Parsons 6. Total: 20.

BTA: Chrys Beal 3, KC Krueger 7, Nina Clarkin 10, Lucy Coddington 6. Total: 26.

SAN SABA: Dawn Jones 6, Mia Bray 4, Sarah Wiseman 8, Lia Salvo 8. Total: 26.

SOURCE: United States Polo Association

PHOTO: Kaylee Wroe Photography