Women’s tournament played in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and Colorado throughout 2019 have gained players points for their teams’ finish placement and additional points for special awards such as Sportsmanship and MVP. 147 unique players competed in the Mid-Continent Women’s Polo Series which ran from Jan – Dec, 2019. If weather and other forces had not deterred some tournaments, there would have been even more!
Here is a brief recap of the tournaments played: South Padre Island started the Series in January, OKC polo held an Arena Women’s Challenge, Tulsa Polo Club hosted a well-attended grass tournament, Dallas Polo Club made numerous attempts with weather delays and finally got their grass tournament played, NWA held their annual Chicks with Sticks arena tournament at Benton County Fairgrounds, Midland Polo club held both grass and arena women’s tournaments during their Pink Out For Polo event, Houston Polo Club had four flights at their Women’s Tournament including the USPA Women’s U.S. Handicap and Texas Women’s Open, Oklahoma State University and Texas Military Polo Club hosted Women’s arena tournaments during Fall Fandango and the final event in the Series was held in December at Legend’s Horse Ranch (East Texas Polo Club).
After the dust settled and the points were tallied, one player’s commitment to women’s polo in 2019 earned them the coveted Catena Watch and the title of High-Point Individual – congratulations Alison Thomas of Oklahoma State University! Alison competed in four Women’s Arena Challenge tournaments in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
“I enjoy traveling to new places to play polo and meet new people. As part of Oklahoma State University women’s team, I am able to travel with my friends and play in a variety of tournaments. I enjoy playing the Circuit Arena Women’s Challenges because it encourages more women to participate. My favorite tournament is the Chicks with Sticks hosted by NWA polo Club in Bentonville, AR because I am from that area and my whole family is able to come watch me play.” Says Alison Thomas.
When asked about her prize, “The Catena Swiss watch is beautifully made with an equestrian touch that looks good with any outfit.” Special thank you to Bill Kraft at Catena for sponsoring the Mid-Continent Women’s Polo Series.
Plans are in place to continue the Mid-Continent Women’s Polo Series and the High-Point prize for 2020. You can follow on Facebook “Women’s Polo Series” and Instagram – @womenspolo
High-point Winner with 13 points – Alison Thomas
2nd place 11 points – Samantha Leach
3rd place 10 points – Lindsay Bellack
4th place 9 points – Grace Groznik
5th place tie 8 points each – Megan Flynn, Lottie Lamacraft, Noel Dallison