The Giuliana Cup, named after the daughter of Giorgio Brignone who was the founder of the Costa Careyes Polo Club and resort, hosted the 8th Annual Ladies tournament. Careyes resort is a private gated community on the Pacific Ocean located south of Puerto Vallarta.
Players from Oregon (Dr. Megan Rioux, Mackenzie Martin, Claudia Howell, and Dr. Kathryn Richert-Boe), Washington (Suzy Dix), Toronto (Angela and Anabel Colterjohn), and England (Nicola Hodges-Neal) were divided into two equally rated teams by Susan Stovall, the Polo club manager.
During the week of the tournament, players were taken to local restaurants, on beach rides, shopping, to visit to the unique Copa del Sol, the sanctuary for the Careyes turtle, and snorkeling. The players were able to experience all aspects of the magic of Careyes, while also playing exciting polo matches.
Play lasted for two days with four chukker games. Team Dix Farm USA/Canada included Suzy Dix, Mackenzie Martin and Mother daughter-duo of the Angela and Anabel Colterjohns. Team Pro-Fit was Nicola Hodges-Neal, Kathryn Richert-Boe, Megan Rioux and Claudia Howell, who runs a polo school in Portland.
On day two of play, team USA/Canada scored in the first chukker thanks to Mackenzie Martin and Hodges, for the Pro-Fit team, also added to the scoreboard. In the third chukker Suzy Dix, of team USA/Canada, put a goal in with a nice run down the field. Rioux scored for the other team, ending the third chukker with score of 6-5. Dix scored again in the fourth chukker to tie it up, but Hodges came through for her team with a quick goal with just seconds left. Pro-fit came out on top of the tournament with a final score of 7-6.
Trophy presentation concluded the week a presentation of trophies that were handmade and designed by a local artist. The tournament ended with a tequila shot for all players, a classic Mexican tradition. All players look forward to coming back next year to play in this exciting ladies tournament.
Careyes Polo Club season is November thorough April. Please see www.careyes.com for more information.