ITHACA, N.Y. -- The Cornell men's polo team overcame an early deficit and rallied past Denver Polo Club 20-15 on Friday evening at Oxley Equestrian Center. The Big Red improved to 9-1 on the season and moved to 5-0 at home with the victory.

The Denver Polo Club scored the game's first four goals, but Cornell outscored the visitors in each of the final three chukkers en route to the victory. Max Sponer scored 10 goals, Malachi Light notched seven and Dylan Tung added three to round out the scoring. The Big Red alumni tam that formed the DPC got five goals from Senter Johnson '05, four from Jeff Markle '05 and three from Jeff Embow '01, with ponies chipping in three scores.

After Denver jumped out to a 4-0 lead on a two-pointer by Johnson, Cornell narrowed the deficit to 6-4 by the end of the first chukker. A 6-0 run in the second chukker put the Big Red ahead at 10-7, and though Denver tied it up briefly at 11-11 in the third, the Big Red was able top pull away.

"It was great to welcome the Denver Polo Club "home" to Oxley," said Anthony Condo Jr., The Peter B. Orthwein `68 Head Coach of Polo. "All four players who dressed for them played under Coach David Eldredge, with Jeff Markle '05 and Senter Johnson '05 winning a national championship in 2005. It was a fun game and a great test for us as we push toward nationals next month."  

The Big Red remains home to face Virginia Tech on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. at Oxley Equestrian Center.