North Star won the final of the first USPA Women's Gold Cup on Saturday 25th January, winning 8-5 against BTA/Lazy 3 at Port Mayaca Polo Club, earning themselves the first victory in this new tournament on the women's polo circuit.
Both teams went into the final unbeaten and ready to battle it out for this brand new title. North Star took an early lead, led by Hazel Jackson they scored 2 goals in the first chukka, an advantage that BTA/ Lazy 3 were unable to overcome.
North Star dominated throughout the game in terms of speed and possession. With over double the throw ins won and a 50% accuracy in front of goal (6 field goals out of 12 shots) they were an attacking force that BTA/ Lazy 3 were unable to neutralise. Hazel Jackson and Meghan Gracida worked seamlessly together to create a flowing team dynamic that saw them create more opportunities than BTA/ Lazy 3 could contend with despite scoring in each chukka. North Star ran out the winners after a tough match up.
The Teams:
Chukka Breakdown:
Score Progression:
Game Statistics:
Selected Match Highlights:
Meghan Gracida anticipates the play well, intercepting a defensive backhand in front of her goal mouth. She keeps down the line, picks up the ball and sends it through the posts, completing a team combination play started by a long range pass up from Hazel Jackson:
Hazel Jackson, calls for the backhand from Meghan Gracida who hits an angled nearside back in defense. Turning quickly, Hazel runs onto the line to pick up the pass and run the ball to goal:
Selected Match Highlights:Meghan Gracida anticipates the play well, intercepting a defensive backhand in front of her goal mouth. She keeps down the line, picks up the ball and sends it through the posts, completing a team combination play started by a long range pass up from Hazel Jackson:
Hazel Jackson, calls for the backhand from Meghan Gracida who hits an angled nearside back in defense. Turning quickly, Hazel runs onto the line to pick up the pass and run the ball to goal: