ITHACA, N.Y. - The Cornell men's and women's polo programs returned to action at the Oxley Equestrian Center over the weekend, splitting a pair of games. Cornell's women's polo program had its five-game winning streak snapped by Maryland on Friday, Feb. 21 in a close 13-12 game that came down to the wire. The Big Red men came out victorious against Westport on Saturday, Feb.22 by a final score of 22-11.

With a win on Saturday, Cornell's men improves to 13-4 for the season with just one game remaining prior to the Northeast Regional Championships held in Ithaca on Friday, March 13-15. The Big Red women's team is now 14-5 overall, with a 9-3 record at home. Both teams will return to the arena this upcoming weekend for games against Skidmore College. Cornell's women's program is 1-1 against the Broncos so far this season, while the men are 2-0.

The Cornell Polo teams and the Central New York Polo Club (CNYPC) will host its sixth "Even Polo Players Get the Blues," a benefit polo match in support of suicide prevention on Saturday, February 29 at 1:00 pm at Oxley Equestrian Center.

For those who have never seen this fast-paced sport where horses and athletes are a team, "Even Polo Players Get the Blues" will be the perfect opportunity to learn about polo. Before and during the game, Cornell polo will be selling 'Mama Said Hand Pies' and carrots to use as votes for your favorite horse. All proceeds will go to the Ithaca Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service. The programs will also accept contributions to Suicide Prevention & Crisis Service in memory of Sue Knight, a Cornell Polo alumna '81 and former Skidmore Polo coach. Cornell polo will have several booths where visitors can learn about suicide prevention and mental health resources in the area.

Since 1969, Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service (SPCS) has helped people struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, and thought of suicide by providing free, non-judgmental and compassionate listening. Visit http://ithacacrisis.org/ for more information.

Admission to the game is free and visitors can vote for their favorite horse and learn how to hit a polo ball. Members of the Cornell and Skidmore polo teams will be present to speak with visitors about polo and their favorite horses.