The Power Group Total Care's 6-5 victory over Ocala in the Women's Challenge April 3 at the Sarasota Polo Club was somewhat like watching two boxers in a very small ring.
The competitors battled in close quarters all the way through as seldom did a few riders break away from the pack.
Every move was contested.
Ocala's Lauren Proctor-Brown, who plays in both mixed action with the men and in all-women events, expected a rough-and-tumble match.
"Women can be cattier," Proctor-Brown said with a smile. "These games can be very physical."
Ocala's Laura Staussfeld agreed that the play is more physical in the women's tournaments.
"In men's game, the play is more open," she said. "In women's play, it's all hands on deck."
In other words, everyone on the field tries to get to the ball as often as possible.
Polo continues Thursday, April 7 at the Sarasota Polo Club with the Sunset Polo Happy Hour and then Sunday, April 10 with the Hillcroft Invitational.
Laura Straussfeld and Lauren Proctor-Brown of the Ocala team greet the fans at the Sarasota Polo Club before Sunday's title game of the Women's Challenge.
Ocala's Alyson Poor gets ready to launch a back shot in the title game against Power Group Total Care.
Ocala's Lauren Proctor-Brown leads a calvary charge of players toward the ball in the Women's Challenge title game.
While Ocala's Alyson Poor controls the ball on her white horse, tailgaters enjoy the easy life along the sideline.
Power Group's Cecelia Cochran obviously is worried about Kylie Sheehan, who hurt her back in a collision between horses. Sheehan continued riding, though.
Power Group's Kylie Sheehan is on a collision course with Ocala's Laura Straussfeld.
Power Group's Cecelia Cochran is enjoying the moment during the Women's Challenge, which her team won 6-5 over Ocala.
Power Group's Giuliana Tarazona (right) scoots the ball forward as Ocala's Laura Straussfeld charges forward.
Ocala's Ava Nunes (right) takes a shot in front of Power Group's Cecelia Cochran.
Ocala's Laura Straussfeld gets a boost up before the Women's Challenge title game.
Ocala's Alyson Poor takes a swipe during the title game.
Ocala's Alyson Poor uses her horse to take Power Group's Kylie Sheehan out of the play.
Power Group's Cecelia Cochran and Ocala's Ava Nunes vie for the ball.
Ocala's Ava Nunes trails the play as Power Group's Giuliana Tarazona rips a shot down the field.
Cecelia Cochran of Power Group and Ocala's Ava Nunez try to pull up as they overrun the ball during the title match.
Ocala's Ava Nunes heads out for another chukker.
Power Group's Cecelia Cochran breaks in front of Ocala's Alyson Poor.
Ocala's Alyson Poor gets ready for a back shot while Power Group's Giuliana Tarazona chases.
Ocala's Alyson Poor rushes in front of the field during the Women's Challenge.
Power Group's Cecelia Cochran breaks away from the field during the Women's Challenge.
Ocala's Laura Straussfeld gets ready to take a shot on goal during the Women's Challenge.
After a horse lost a shoe, Umpire Josh Shelton takes it off the playing field.
Power Group's Cecelia Cochran races Ocala's Alyson Poor to the ball.
Power Group's Kyle Sheehan and Giuliana Tarazona and Ocala's Alyson Poor charge to the ball.
Power Group's Kyle Sheehan, Valentina Tarazona and Giuliana Tarazona visit with the fans before the Women's Challenge.
