La Dolfina Dominates: Thrilling Results from the 2025 Palermo Women's Polo Open

The 2025 edition of the Palermo Abierto de Polo Femenino—officially the IX Argentine Women's Open—delivered edge-of-your-seat action, showcasing the world's top female polo talents at the iconic Campo Argentino de Polo in Palermo, Buenos Aires. From November 24 to December 6, three powerhouse teams battled for glory in this prestigious tournament, sanctioned by the Argentine Polo Association (AAP).

With a total of three league matches leading to a high-stakes final, La Dolfina emerged undefeated, clinching their fifth title in a dramatic 9-4 comeback victory over defending champions El Overo Z7 UAE Polo. This year's event highlighted international flair, featuring players from Argentina, the United States, England, France, and beyond, all vying for supremacy on the hallowed Palermo fields.

The IX Argentine Women's Open featured three elite teams, each handicapped between 32 and 36 goals under the Federación Ecuestre Mexicana (FEM) valuation system. The competition's round-robin format ensured every match counted toward final qualification.

Mía Cambiaso was named MVP of the final for her tournament-leading performance, while American 10-goaler Hope Arellano added star power with her third Open title pursuit.

The tournament kicked off with a bang as La Dolfina asserted dominance early. Tied 2-2 after the first chukker, La Hache briefly led 5-4 at halftime. But a masterful reorganization under coach Taranco sparked a 7-0 run in the fourth chukker, propelling La Dolfina to an 18-10 rout. Standout plays included precise field goals from Cambiaso and Arellano, setting a tone of unrelenting pressure.

In a preview of the final, La Dolfina edged out the UAE squad in a tactical masterclass. The game remained tight throughout, with both teams trading blows in midfield skirmishes. La Dolfina's superior ball control and defensive poise shone through, limiting UAE to just seven goals while pulling away late for the 11-7 win. This result positioned La Dolfina as the clear frontrunners.

The decider for final qualification was a nail-biter. Tied at halftime, UAE mounted a second-half comeback, surging ahead by two goals in the final chukker. La Hache fought valiantly but couldn't convert in the dying moments, falling 9-7. Hazel Jackson's offensive prowess was pivotal, earning UAE a shot at redemption in the championship match.

Under the Palermo lights, the final pitted undefeated La Dolfina against two-time champs UAE Polo. What unfolded was a testament to resilience: UAE led 2-1 after two chukkas, thanks to Hazel Jackson's blistering counters. But La Dolfina flipped the script, unleashing a 4-0 barrage in the third chukker—Milly Hine netting two (one field goal, one 30-yard penalty)—to take a 4-2 lead.

The momentum snowballed. Hope Arellano's brace in the fifth extended it to 7-3, and Cambiaso sealed the deal with two insurance goals in the sixth for the 9-4 triumph. Final scorers: Cambiaso (4), Arellano (3, including 1 penalty).

This victory marks La Dolfina's fifth Open crown (2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2025), surpassing all others and introducing Catalina Lavinia to the winners' circle. For Cambiaso and Hine, it's title No. 5, tying them with Fernández Araujo as the most decorated players in Open history. UAE's Jackson dazzled with her four goals, but the team's three-peat dreams evaporated in a display of La Dolfina's unyielding depth.

The 2025 Palermo Women's Open not only elevated women's polo on the global stage but also underscored its growing intensity. As the sport evolves, expect these stars to shine brightly on international circuits in 2026. For full highlights, check out fan footage from the final here.

Stay tuned for more polo updates—Palermo never disappoints!