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Smooth Ride for Coca-Cola: 13-7 Victory over Gateway Merchants

Sugar Erskine, Scott Swerdlin, Mariano Obregon and Gillian Johnston. Photo: Liz Lamont Images/Phelps Media Group.

Wellington, FL – February 11, 2015 – Coca-Cola defeated Gateway Merchants 13-7 as the 20-goal Ylvisaker Cup continued Wednesday at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.

Gateway Merchants (which started the game with an automatic point due to the team’s handicap of 19) had a fighting chance in the first half. It kept Coca-Cola at bay, briefly leading by a point or two and tying the game at the end of the second (3-3) and third (5-5) chukkers.

That’s when Coca-Cola asserted itself, changing the entire face of the game the moment the second half started. Every member of its team scored in the fourth chukker. Gillian Johnston, who played an exceptionally strong game throughout, scored once in the third and twice in the fourth.

But at the start of the second half, an unexpected change in Gateway Merchants’ lineup gave Coca-Cola something to think about. Nico Escobar subbed in for Scott Swerdlin, who has been battling an army injury.

“When Nico came out we got a little bit nervous that he was going to maybe mark Gillian and try and make a run for it,” said Sugar Erskine. “Actually Gillian scored two goals in that chukker, and we ran away with it.”

Gateway Merchants was scoreless in the fourth and fifth chukkers. Coca-Cola took advantage of the lull, scoring five consecutive goals in the fourth and another in the fifth.

Erskine maintained a consistent scoring streak for Coca-Cola from start to finish, making a goal in every chukker except one. He broke the 5-5 tie within the first 30 seconds of the second half. With the same tight teamwork Coca-Cola showed throughout the game, nearly every player on the red team was in on the next goal. The play started and ended with Julio Arellano. He made a long pass through the air to Erskine, who sent it with one strong hit to Johnston. She outmaneuvered Escobar, who was in hot pursuit and rapidly gaining ground, to hand the ball off to Arellano. He grabbed it, pulled out of a thick pack and scored, giving Coca-Cola a 7-5 lead.

The fourth chukker, which had opened 5-all, ended 10-5 for Coca-Cola. By then Coca-Cola’s dominance was unstoppable, although it did dial down the assault a bit for the rest of the match. Both teams scored two goals apiece in the final chukker, ending the game 13-7 for Coca-Cola.

“Anything could have happened today,” said Mason Wroe, who made one precisely calculated shot after another throughout the game, scoring in the fourth and sixth chukkers. “We just wanted to keep it simple and disciplined, and we’re happy with the outcome.”

The Ylvisaker Cup continues Thursday with four matches. The first three will be played at IPC, starting with FlexJet vs. Orchard Hill at 10 a.m. Casablanca plays Lucchese at 2 p.m., and Enigma plays Valiente at 3 p.m. The final match of the day, CT Energia vs. Palm Beach Illustrated, will take place at the Everglades Polo Club at 4 p.m.

International Polo Club Palm Beach Fast Facts

What: Created by players for players, the International Polo Club Palm Beach was born out of the dream to build a facility to showcase the incredible skills of the ponies and players that dominate the sport.

Members and guests enjoy panoramic views of the action from field side box seats or lawn and terrace seating. Sponsors and fans convene at The Winners Circle to congratulate the players during the awards presentation following the games.

Gourmet brunches, après polo celebrations and the prerequisite charitable events will take place in The Pavilion, designed to accommodate large parties, corporate clients, as well as family and friends.

Featured Highlights:

Herbie Pennell Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 1-4, 2015

Joe Barry Memorial Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 4-25, 2015

Ylvisaker Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 28 – February 22, 2015

Iglehart Cup – 20 Goal
Feb. 28 – March 8, 2015

USPA C. V. Whitney Cup – 26 Goal
Feb. 15 – March 1, 2015

Piaget USPA Gold Cup® – 26 Goal
March 4-22, 2015

111th Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship® – 26 Goal
March 25 – April 19, 2015

Directions:

From the Turnpike:
Take the Lake Worth Exit
Head west on FL-802 W/Lake Worth Rd toward Hooks Rd
Continue to follow Lake Worth Rd (3.9 miles)
Turn right onto 120th Ave S
Destination will be ahead on the left (0.4 miles)

From I-95:
Exit Forest Hill Blvd, head West
Make Left turn onto 441/St Rd 7
Make Right turn onto Lake Worth Rd
Make Right turn onto 120th Ave S
Destination on Left

Information:
3667 120th Ave S, Wellington, FL 33414
International Polo Club Palm Beach: 561-204-5687
Mallet Grille: 561-282-5340
Spa & Fitness Center: 561-282-5288
Tennis Pro Shop: 561-795-7228
Polo Operations Office: 561-282-5283
Polo Hotline: 561-282-5290

Website:
www.internationalpoloclub.com

For Tickets:
http://internationalpoloclub.ticketleap.com/

Hotels:
Hampton Inn & Suites – (561) 472-9696 – Approximately 2 miles
Hampton Inn – (561) 472-5980 – Approximately 4 miles
Four Seasons Resort – (561) 582-2800 – Approximately 9 miles
The Breakers – (561) 655-6611 – Approximately 9 miles
Kimpton Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa – (561) 540-6440 – Approximately 9 miles

Management:
John Wash – President of Club Operations
jwash@internationalpoloclub.com
561-282-5353

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

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