ITHACA, N.Y. -- The Cornell women's polo team played hard against Maryland Polo Club, but ultimately fell, 11-9, in Oxley Equestrian Center on Saturday, February 25. The Big Red was led by Lea Jih-Vieira, who scored five goals on the day.

"I am extremely proud of our women for the grit and determination that they displayed throughout this game," said The Peter B. Orthwein `68 Head Coach of Polo, Anthony Condo, Jr. "Naturally, we would have liked to end this one with the win, but looking at the bright side, the lessons we learned by playing a team as strong, as disciplined, and as well-coached as Maryland will hopefully pay big dividends later this spring as we prepare for Nationals. This is, after all, a Maryland team that is coming off a recent 10 goal victory over the UVA women, so they have clearly shown that they are a force to be reckoned with."

Maryland was the first to score, but Jih-Vieira had the answer for the big red, sparking a 4-1 Cornell run to lead 4-2 after the first chukker. Jih-Vieira was on the boards first to open the second chukker, but Maryland had a quick response. Jasmine Umrigar sparked three straight Cornell goals before Maryland closed the chukker with two more goals. Cornell held an 8-5 lead at half. Maryland came out storming in the third chukker going on a 4-1 run to tie the game at 9. Maryland's shutout in the fourth chukker paired with two goals led to the Maryland victory.

UP NEXT
The Big Red return to action on Saturday, March 11 when it hosts Yale in Oxley Equestrian center at 6 p.m.