Catamount Defeats Orchard Hill 10-9 Thursday in C.V. Whitney Cup
March 11, 2004

WELLINGTON, Florida - Ten-goaler Mike Azzaro scored a game-high six goals, including the game-winner with 15 seconds remaining, to lift Catamount over Orchard Hill 10-9 in a first-round match of the 26th annual C.V. Whitney Cup 26-goal polo tournament Thursday at International Polo Club Palm Beach. The victory clinched first place in Division I for Catamount.

In other C.V. Whitney Cup contests, 10-goaler Mariano Aguerre scored seven goals to lead White Birch over Bendabout 10-8 and defending champions Las Monjitas defeated Pony Express 9-7.

The quarterfinals are slated for Sunday, beginning with a doubleheader at 10 a.m. when Las Monjitas plays Lechuza and Catamount plays San Saba. At noon, White Birch plays Everglades and in the 3 p.m. contest at the stadium, Isla Carroll plays Bendabout.

With 33 seconds remaining, Catamount was awarded a penalty shot from midfield. Azzaro dribbled down the middle, veered slightly right, raced away from a double-team and scored on a five-yard forehand for the winning goal.

There were four ties in the game, the final one at 9-9 with 3:38 left in the game on Julio Arellano’s 10-yard forehand while battling Carlos Gracida. Orchard Hill continued to keep the ball in the offensive zone as Catamount saved two goals with outstanding plays.

Gracida added three goals and patron Scott Devon scored one for Catamount (3-0). Pelon Escapite did not score but played outstanding defense, thwarting numerous scoring chances. Eduardo Heguy led Orchard Hill (1-2) with five goals and Julio Arellano added four goals. Nicolas Roldan and patron Steve Van Andel did not score.

Del Walton scored the first two goals and White Birch (2-0) never trailed. Lucas Criado scored one goal for White Birch while patron Peter Brant did not score.

Ten-goaler Adam Snow led Bendabout (1-1) with five goals while 10-goaler Miguel Novillo Astrada added two goals and Alejandro Novillo scored one goal. Patron Gillian Johnston did not score.

Substitute Paco de Narvaez led Las Monjitas (2-1) with four goals while Javier Novillo Astrada and Nacho Novillo Astrada scored two goals each. De Narvaez replaced Eduardo Novillo Astrada who suffered serious chest injuries which will keep him on the sidelines at least two more weeks. Alex Agote and Sapo Caset scored two goals to lead Pony Express (0-3). Pablo MacDonough added one goal while patron Bob Daniels did not score.

Thirteen teams entered the tournament, which is a prelude to the Stanford Financial Group - 100th U.S. Open Polo Championship, the most prestigious polo tournament in North America. The C.V. Whitney Cup final is slated for Sunday, March 21 at 3 p.m. at the International Polo Club Palm Beach stadium.

The tournament is named in memory of Cornelius Vanderbilt “Sonny” Whitney, who along with his brother John Hay Whitney, were important polo patrons in the 1930's. The son of Hall of Fame patron Harry Payne Whitney, C.V. won the U.S. Open three times (twice against his brother), and was a renowned owner and breeder of thoroughbred racehorses.

The polo matches are open to the public. Tickets for the Sunday games at the International Polo Club Palm Beach are available at the gate, beginning at $10 each. For information or advance tickets, call (561) 204-5687 or visit the club website at www.internationalpoloclub.com.

International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. From I-95, take the Forest Hill Boulevard exit and go west approximately 12 miles. Turn left onto South Shore Boulevard and go two miles. Turn left onto Pierson Road, travel about one mile and then make a right onto 120th Avenue South. The club is on the right. From Florida’s Turnpike, take Exit 93 (Lake Worth Road) and go west about six miles. Make a right onto 120th Avenue South. The club is on the left.