SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- The Cornell women's polo team survived a surge from Cal Poly in the national quarterfinals, but stayed alive in its fight for a national title with an 8-6 win on Monday evening at Santa Barbara Polo Club. The Big Red advances to the semifinals on Wednesday, where Virginia awaits.

In a big arena on the Mustang's home turf, Emma Eldredge, Shariah Harris and Hannah Noyes started and scored the lone goal of the first chukker to lead 1-0. The Big Red increased its lead to 4-0 at the half and felt good about their play. The third saw the Mustangs come alive and and close the score to 6-3 in the visitor's favor heading to the fourth.  

Cornell scored to make it 7-3, but after Cal Poly put a goal on the board, Cornell's previous goal was disallowed and given to Cal Poly to make it a 6-5 Big Red lead. During the walk break, the umpires decided the earlier goal was scored when the teams were lined up incorrectly. A penalty shot gave Cal Poly a 6-6 tie, but the Big Red dominated the final three minutes with Noyes scoring the final two goals to advance the Big Red. Eldredge and Noyes each had three goals and and Harris was credited with two in the win.

The two-time defending national champions will attempt to advance into the finals for the seventh straight year when it meets the Cavaliers on Wednesday, April 5 at 2 p.m. ET.