Santa Barbara Polo Club
September 6, 2016
Gorgeous weather and a lively crowd welcomed the 2016 Fall 8-Goal Season at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club.
Klentner Ranch and Icon.Global emerged from the first round of play to advance to the final on Sunday.
Klentner Ranch took off on a scoring streak in the first chukker of the Harry East Memorial Final against Icon.Global. Combined with their handicap goals, Klentner Ranch pulled ahead 5-1, with Bray scoring three goals from the field.
Icon.Global led by Uretz and Donovan tightened the defense in the second chukker. Uechtritz, a former PoloCrosse player, put pressure on Bray, and helped hold the Klentner Ranch team to only one goal in the second chukker.
Bray, aboard “Feliz,” the Best Playing Pony of the match turned on the heat early in the third chukker, scoring four goals from the field. Justin Klentner added a fifth goal, pushing Klentner Ranch further ahead. Donovan easily converted a penalty four to keep Icon.Global in the game.
Icon.Global rallied in the second half, scoring eight goals over the next three chukkers, but Klentner Ranch maintained their lead. The final score read 14-10 in favor of Klentner Ranch.
Luke Klentner, age 15, expressed his excitement winning his first eight goal tournament. His brother Jake was selected to play in the NYTS Championship in Boston and will return to the team next week. Teammate Jesse Bray played on Klentner Ranch during the 12 and 16 goal, “I really enjoy playing with the Klentners. This is my fourth season playing with Justin and the boys. We know each other well and I like seeing Jake and Luke learn and improve.”
Jesse Bray was awarded MVP and his mare “Feliz” was named Best Playing Pony.
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- Klentner Ranch: Dayelle Fargey, Jesse Bray, Luke and Justin Klentner.
