P O L O I N T H E PA M PA S
Upset! Los Sauces captures Women’s Masters By Lucas Noel • Photos by Sergio Llamera
Los Sauces handed Pilará, led by 10 goalers Lia Salvo and Hazel Jackson, a big blow in the final of the inaugural Women’s Masters at Palmero’s La Catedral. Los Sauces ended up winning the title by a half goal, part of the handicap it began with. The tournament is open to teams from 0 to 40 goals. It saw seven teams rated from 14 to 26 goals. The teams were divided into two divisions, with teams playing each of the other teams in its division. The matches were played as eight four-and-a-half minute chukkers. The top team in each division played the Gold Cup final, while the second and third place teams played the Silver and Bronze Cups, respectively. “It was the first time that I faced players with 10 handicaps. They are the best in the world and it was a great challenge to be on the field against those
stars. You have to anticipate certain plays because it is another level. You have to use your head a lot and be patient,” explained Agustina Imaz, whose joy was still apparent days later. Los Sauces really wrote a great page in Palermo’s history by beating the favored Pilará, 12½-12. Milagros Sánchez (7), Fátima Balzamo (6), the aforementioned Agustina Imaz (3) and Francisca Moretti (3) defeated the main favorites to win the title: the consecrated Lía Salvo (10) and Hazel Jackson (10), accompanied by Hana Grill (5) and Martina Díaz (1). Pilará had to give up 5½ goals for its higher valuation and after the first two chukkers of the decisive match it had already overcome it, taking a 6-5½ lead. But the team from the province of San Luis, which won all four games it played in the tournament, was able to recover in
Los Sauces’ Francesca Moretti is flanked by Pilará’s Martina Diaz and Hazel Jackson in the Women’s Masters final.
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