CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Cornell women's polo team dropped its opening game of the Virginia Polo Fall Tournament, falling to the University of Kentucky, 13-5, on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Kentucky's Sierra Blevins scored eight goals to lead all scorers. Sophia Pizarro added three goals and Kendall Knackers two for the Wildcats.

Sophomore Eva Scott scored twice for Cornell, and sophomore Samantha Iahn and junior Naomi Marlough each added a goal. Cornell also scored on a pony goal in the third chukker.

Iahn put the Big Red on the board in the first chukker, but Kentucky scored three times in the period to take a 3-1 lead.

Scott scored both of her goals in the second chukker, but Kentucky scored four more to lead 7-3 at halftime.

The Wildcats pulled away in the third chukker, scoring six times to build a 13-4 lead. Cornell's lone goal in the period was the pony goal.

Marlough scored on a penalty shot in the fourth chukker, and Cornell's defense held Kentucky scoreless over the final period to close the gap to 13-5.

"First of all, a big congratulations to Kentucky for getting the win today. We're obviously disappointed to lose this game, but this was a good early test for our women's team this year. However, our entire season is a marathon and not a sprint. We are still figuring out our most productive lineups and working on our team chemistry as we proceed into the Fall and look towards the Spring. They will improve, and I am confident in their ability to get back to the Division 1 National Intercollegiate Tournament this year," said Anthony M. Condo, Jr., Peter B. Orthwein '68 Head Coach of Polo.

Cornell (2-1) continues play in the consolation round at 11a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1.