On Saturday, September 19, Yale University (Katie Mitcham, Leopold Schwarz-Schutte, Phillip “PJ” DeAngelis, Jim DeAngelis) defeated the University of Virginia (Jennifer Sadeghi, Mackenzie Craig, Nico Trigo, Vlad Tarashansky) to capture the 42nd Annual Harriman Cup presented by J. Press at Bethpage Polo at the Park in Old Bethpage, Long Island.
Established in 1985 and named for polo player and former New York Governor W. Averell Harriman, the Harriman Cup is recognized as America’s oldest alumni polo match between Yale University (Yale) in New Haven, Connecticut, and the University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville, Virginia. Played before one of the event’s strongest crowds in recent years, the annual match brought together generations of players and supporters to celebrate the longstanding collegiate polo tradition between the two universities.
Closely contested from the opening throw-in, the two teams entered the break tied at 3-all. UVA gained its first advantage in the third chukker, outscoring Yale to take a narrow 5-4 lead into the final period. Kick-starting its fourth-chukker surge, Yale’s offense erupted, scoring three goals to close out the hard-fought 7-6 victory.
Katie Mitcham, who attended UVA but competed for Yale, was named Most Valuable Player after scoring two goals in the decisive fourth chukker. Prince, played by Nico Trigo and owned by Ata Alonso, earned Best Playing Pony honors. Melissa Ganzi was presented with the Harriman Cup Award, recognizing her contributions to polo as both a player and leader, including her commitment to developing future generations and preserving the sport’s history.
J. Press served as title sponsor, with BioStratis, D’Andrews Bakery and U.S. Polo Assn. supporting the event as celebration sponsors. U.S. Polo Assn. outfitted the players with jerseys and provided a USPA Pro gear bag for the Most Valuable Player. Hook Polo supplied gloves, and Champagne de Lossy provided bottles for the participants.