La Hache is navigating a season of ups and downs, but this Saturday they took an important step by defeating La Hache Cría & Polo 15-10. With this victory, the team looks forward to a promising future, as they face La Natividad next Saturday in a crucial match. Hilario Ulloa and his team know they must win again to stay on track for their ultimate goal: reaching the final of the Campeonato Argentino de Polo on December 7, a dream set in motion after their triumph in the Tortugas Open, their first major title in the Triple Crown.
La Hache’s recent journey has been a rollercoaster. After the euphoria of their victory at Tortugas and a commanding 22-12 win over La Aguada in their Palermo debut, the team suffered an unexpected setback against Indios Chapaleufú. It was a hard blow that left them silenced, unable to display their usual game. That defeat made it clear there was no room for further mistakes if they wanted to stay in contention, and this Saturday, they responded as needed—with a solid win on Field 2.
This time, La Hache regained the intensity, scoring power, and structure that led them to success in Tortugas. While they didn’t shine as brightly as in their best moments, they showed a much closer version to their true potential. The return of Tomás Panelo, recovered from an injury, was key. His tactical intelligence, game vision, and ability to surprise on the attack resolved critical situations, allowing the team to celebrate once again in Palermo.
Now, all attention turns to the much-anticipated clash against La Natividad, a true battle of titans that will determine the winner of Zone A and, essentially, serve as a semifinal. Polito Pieres didn’t hide his excitement when discussing the matchup against the Castagnola team: “This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for since the start of the Triple Crown. La Natividad is a tough rival, a fantastic team. What they’ve done in previous tournaments doesn’t matter much because we know great teams, like La Dolfina, can start with ups and downs and then bring out their full strength when it really counts. We’re in good shape and eager, and now it will depend on how the horses are and how we feel that day. It’s an all-or-nothing match, and that’s how we’ll approach it.”
Meanwhile, La Hache Cría & Polo concluded their 2024 season. Though a combative and difficult team to face, this Saturday they were outmatched in every aspect of the game, including horse preparation. Their campaign closed with eight matches played, two wins—both in Palermo, where victories carry the most weight—and six losses. Their primary objective of staying in the Triple Crown is almost secured, barring an unlikely combination of results that could force them into a playoff against the Copa Cámara de Diputados champion.
Thus, the duel between the two versions of La Hache left a bittersweet taste. One walked off the field subdued, while the other regained some of its essence and voice, ready to shout loud and clear next Saturday in a match that promises to be as intense as a final.