CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. --  The Cornell men's polo team was nipping at the heels of defending national champion Virginia for three chukkers, but the experienced Cavaliers pulled away in the fourth for a 17-10 victory on Saturday evening. Cornell slipped to 1-1 with the loss.

For half of the Cornell team, both Nik Feldman and Nick Stieg, it was the first exposure to the hill they must climb if they wish to knock off the champs. The Cavaliers mixed in some alternates throughout the match and the Cornell starters, Feldman, Stieg and Branden Van Loon found success in the first and were leading 5-3 after one. UVa quickly turned that around in the second and led 8-6 heading into the half. Connor Pardell replaced Nick Stieg in the second half and Cornell hung tight in the third but still trailed 11-9 heading into the fourth. Virignia found its stride in the fourth, stretching the lead out to the final score of 17-10.

Still in the stages of figuring out the best mix, Cornell definitely had bright spots, including Van Loon's four goals, as well as three from Feldman, two for Stieg and one for Pardell.

The Big Red returns to action when it faces regional foe Connecticut on Sunday, Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. in Storrs, Conn.