Aiken Ladies Invitational
09/28/05
Photos by David Lominska

Michelob Ultra Loses to Hideaway Farms In Aiken Ladies Invitational

ALI winners: Hideaway Farm. Meghan Arellano, Jolie Liston, Carolyn Stimmel, Haley Bryan

ALI runners-up: Michelob Ultra. Tiffany Busch, Fiona Seager, Kris Bowman, Cissy Jones

Busch’s four-year-old mare, Li’l Grey, won Best Playing Pony.

 AIKEN, SC – A year ago, Haley Bryan was forced to watch the final from the sidelines because of an injury. This year, a healthy Bryan scored the winning goal in the waning seconds to lift Hideaway Farm over Michelob Ultra 4-3 in the fifth annual Aiken Ladies Invitational.

“It was a good tournament to win,” said Bryan, a long-time Aiken resident who was named the Most Valuable Player. “This year by far it was the best competition.

“The final was very hard work. It wasn’t a cakewalk. It was back and forth the whole game. They (Michelob Ultra) were well-mounted and there were no holes in their lineup.”

Michelob Ultra captain Kris Bowman was thrilled with her team’s performance.

“I think we did exceedingly well,” said Bowman. “The girls never played together as a team. Our first game was the first time we all played together. It went together so well, like we knew each other all our lives. I couldn’t be happier.

“The two teams in the final were so well matched,” said Bowman. “It could’ve been theirs, it could’ve been ours.”

Joining Bryan on the Hideaway Farm was Meghan Arellano of Aiken, Jolie Liston from the Atlanta area and Carolyn Stimmel from Midland, Texas. Joining Bowman on Michelob Ultra was Tiffany Busch of Vero Beach, Cissy Jones and Fiona Seager.

Busch’s four-year-old mare, Li’l Grey, won Best Playing Pony.

Both Bryan and Bowman want to return in 2006.

“It was unbelievable competition,” said Bowman. “Players came from all over the United States. The camaraderie was amazing. There a tight bond off the field.”

Bowman was also impressed with the commitment of high-end sponsors that seem to be drawn to women playing polo.

“Five years ago, you wouldn’t see the sponsors we have, like Michelob Ultra, Mumm’s Champagne and Lily Pulitzer,” said Bowman. “Women make up one-third of the USPA members.”
In the semifinals, Michelob Ultra defeated Via Mizner 5-4 in overtime on a goal by Tiffany Busch. Cissy Jones led Michelob Ultra with three goals while Busch finished with two. Kristy Waters scored all four goals for Via Mizner. In the first semifinal, Hideaway Farm bested The Aiken Locals 6-3.
Michelob Ultra has supported high-goal and medium-goal teams at the premier clubs as well as many grassroots club around the United States for the last 20 years but this was their first foray into Aiken in some five years.

“We’ve identified a new initiative to support the rapid rise and interest in professional women’s polo and a hotbed of polo in Aiken,” said Michelob Ultra sponsor Adolphus A. Busch IV. “I’m excited to have Michelob Ultra participate in such a competitive tournament and proud of their efforts. All the teams should be commended. Because of the success of the event, Michelob Ultra management is considering adding additional touring dates in 2006 specifically for women's tournament and exhibition events." 
Eight teams participated in the double-elimination format. Top players competing in the event included Karen Pimsner, Julie Boyle, Gillian Johnston, Kristy Waters, Abby Riggs and Christine Cato. The tournament used numerous fields throughout Aiken and the players took turns as umpires, third men and flaggers. Kristy Waters had the best offensive game of the tournament, scoring seven goals.

More photos by Lominska. Click here to visit the Lominska Gallery.

New Bridge Polo Club Aiken, SC

Photos by Lominska

Contact Info: New Bridge Polo Club Tel: 803 215 6151 New Bridge Web Site www.newbridgepolo.com