La Dolfina II achieved its first win of the Argentine Open with a performance that left no doubts about its determination. Competing for a place among the top eight teams that make up the core of the tournament, the squad from Cañuelas faced La Hache Cría y Polo in a match that unfolded quickly and ended with a clear and forceful result. Rain had delayed the schedule, so both teams reached the date under pressure.
La Hache Cría y Polo had the advantage of its opening win against La Ensenada, while La Dolfina II carried the weight of a more urgent need to recover and remain competitive, a situation similar to that of La Zeta Kazak in the neighboring zone.
The lineup from Cañuelas, featuring Lucas Criado Jr., Gonzalo Ferrari, Mariano González Jr., and Isidro Strada, appeared for the first time in Palermo under this specific name and combination. Despite the tension surrounding the match, they showed resilience, discipline, and a very clear idea of how to confront the challenge. Their 18 to 8 win illustrated how effectively they responded to the moment and how far they managed to distance themselves from previous struggles.
For La Dolfina II, this match was a true test of character. Although the team is not fully secure in the standings yet, it finally managed to step away from the edge and now controls its own destiny. The players were not willing to abandon the enormous effort that had brought them to this prestigious instance. The hard road they traveled, together with the intensity of previous battles, had cultivated an ambition they were not prepared to let fade. After losing to Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufú by 11 to 9 and to La Irenita La Hache by 23 to 13, they entered the field with a sharper mindset. Their dominance was evident from the first moments. They imposed their rhythm, attacked with clarity, defended with firmness, and maintained superiority until the final bell. The scoreboard reflected that supremacy clearly. With renewed confidence, they now look toward their next match, a high stakes challenge against La Ensenada.
Although the collective strategy worked beautifully, the standout of the day was Gonzalo Ferrari. The Venado Tuerto native delivered a brilliant individual performance and finished as the top scorer with 12 goals, including 2 penalty conversions. He moved constantly between defensive duties, midfield control, and dangerous attacking runs.
His goals were not only important for the team but also thrilling for spectators, who applauded him throughout the afternoon. His contribution was instrumental in giving La Dolfina II the edge it needed.
La Hache Cría y Polo, on the other hand, could not replicate the level shown in its debut. The victory over La Ensenada had suggested that the team could become a serious contender, but its performance this time fell short. Even so, the points earned in its first match keep the team in a relatively favorable position compared with others fighting to stay in the Triple Crown. Its continuity will depend on how it performs in its final match, which will be against the other Hache lineup associated with La Irenita.
As the round approaches its final stage, La Dolfina II finds renewed hope, while La Hache Cría y Polo holds on to its chances. The lower part of the standings remains open, and every upcoming match will be crucial.
Match summary
La Dolfina II (18):
Lucas Criado Jr., 7; Gonzalo Ferrari, 8; Mariano González Jr., 8; Isidro Strada, 8. Total: 31.
La Hache Cría y Polo (8):
Bautista Bayugar, 8; Carlos María Ulloa, 8; Ignacio Laprida, 8; Joaquín Pittaluga, 8. Total: 32.
Scoring progression:
4-1, 6-1, 8-2, 10-4, 11-5, 14-6, 16-8, 18-8.
Top scorers:
For La Hache Cría y Polo: Bayugar 3, Ulloa 1, Laprida 1, Pittaluga 3 with 1 penalty goal.
For La Dolfina II: Criado Jr. 3, Ferrari 12 with 2 penalty goals, Strada 3 with 1 penalty goal.
Umpires: Matías Baibiene and Martín Aguerre.
Referee: Federico Martelli.
Field: Number 2 at the Campo Argentino de Polo.