Costa Careyes Women’s Tournament
By Susan Stovall
January 16 and 17th were the dates for the annual Giuliana Cup, named after the daughter of Giorgio Brignone and founder of the Careyes Club, at the Costa Caryes Polo Club located in Mexico by the Pacific Ocean. Ladies from Washington State, Oregon, California, Toronto, Canada, Austria and Mexico had their games faces on the compete in the 2 day tournament. The Careyes team was Elizabeth Larvik, Virginia Jones, Maxime and Gatsby Moellhausen and Lulu Ardissone faced off against the USA team of Angela and Anabel Colterjohn(their first ever tournament),Debra Vermoch, Megan Rioux and MacKenzie Martin.
Winner – l to r
Team USA
Angela and Anabel Colterjohn, Debra Vermoch, Megan Rioux and Mackenzie Martin.
While visiting Careyes, the ladies went fishing – serving dinner one night with their catch, birdwatching, riding one the beach, snorkeling and just relaxing at the beach. Debra Vermoch hosted a cocktail party at her villa for all the players as well as many outside guests.
Team Careyes
l to r
Giorgio Brignone, Gatsby Moellhausen, Lulu Ardissone, Maxime Moellhausen, Virginia Jones, Elizabeth Larvik and Alberto Ardissone.
The teams were organized by Susan Stovall as she was familiar with all the players. The teams were to play 2 games. Each having a winner – should one team win on day and the other the next – there would be a shoot out to determine the champion . The first game Careyes and the USA team were even through the first 2 chukkers but then Martin and Rioux teamed up to score 3 quick goals ending the game with a 5-2 victory for the USA.
MacKenzie Martin was named MVP for the Giuliana Cup
Second day of play – again scoring was even and the game ended in a tie – 3 to 3. A shootout was to determine the winner for the day as well as the tournament – with all players taking a shot from the 40 yard line – tied down to the last player with Angela Colterjohn putting the ball thru the uprights to score the win for the USA team. MacKenzie Martin was named MVP as well as scoring the most goals of the tournament. A final dinner party at Playa Rosa with a mariachi player to serenade ended the ladies week – all wanting to stay alittle longer. And making plans to come back next year.