OAK POINT, Texas -- The Cornell men's polo team will play for the 2026 USPA Division I title after capturing a 19-12 victory over longtime rival Virginia on Friday evening at the Prestonwood Polo & Country Club. Cornell will face North Texas in the national championship game on Sunday, March 22 at 2 p.m. The match will be broadcast live on USPA Polo Network.

After falling behind in the first, the Big Red had a big second and third chukker, closing the first half on a 9-0 run to seize control. Cornell led 11-4 at the break and never looked back, advancing to the Division I national finals for the first time since 2011. The teams traded goals in the second half as Cornell never allowed the Cavaliers back in the game. 

Max Sponer had a team-high eight goals, while Benito Jaramillo-Samper scored six and Malachi Light chipped in with four.

Cornell is in search of its first title at the highest levels of collegiate polo since 2005.