NCEA Weekend Recap: Wins Go to UC Davis, TCU, Auburn, Fresno State, Texas A&M, and Gamecocks
AGGIES HALT HORNETS IN SEASON OPENER, 10-5
DAVIS, Calif. — The UC Davis equestrian team kicked of its 2018-19 campaign in a big way on Thursday afternoon, earning the program’s first-ever win in its inaugural home meet against United Equestrian Conference colleague No. 9 Delaware State. The Aggies also captured a pair of Most Outstanding Player (MOP) Awards by senior Lilly Ulrich (Equitation Over Fences) and freshman Keely Laughlin (Equitation on the Flat) en route to a convincing 10-5 win over the Hornets in front of a home crowd at the UC Davis Equestrian Center in Davis, Calif.
The Aggies will enter their next meet at No. 4 Texas A&M on Feb. 16 with a perfect 1-0 overall record. The Hornets fell to a 3-4 season mark to go along with an even 2-2 conference record.
The Aggies jumped out to a quick 4-1 lead after Equitation Over Fences, with junior Stephanie Donearning the first point of the day and beginning a string of four back-to-back wins for UC Davis thanks to an 88-0 victory over Gabrielle Fournier. Laughlin followed with an 83-81 win over Eva Epstein, before junior Sabin Marquardt edged Zoe Kirsch 80-79. Ulrich then closed out the event with an 87-82 victory over Sydney Wicklund, a performance that helped the Rochester, N.Y. native earn her first career MOP nod.
The Hornets answered back in Horsemanship, scratching back from a 0-2 deficit to win 3-2 after seniors Katrina Macalello and Olivia Russel began the event with a pair of wins for the Aggies, defeating Elizabeth Lynch (70.5-66.5) and Blayne Bell (71.0-70.0), respectively.
But momentum would swing back in favor of the Aggies in the final event of the afternoon, with freshman Laura Wise kicking off Equitation on the Flat with an 89-86 win over Fournier. Ulrich also notched an 87-82 win over Zoe Kirsch, while Marquardt bested Erin Gordon 83-80 and Laughlin was named the event’s MOP after downing Epstein, 85-65.
The Aggies return to action with a busy February schedule comprised of a trio of road meets at No. 4 Texas A&M (Feb. 16), No. 7 TCU (Feb. 21), and No. 2 SMU (Feb. 22).
TCU DOWNS WEST TEXAS A&M AT FWSSR
FORT WORTH, Texas – Riding at John Justin Arena, as part of the annual Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, the TCU equestrian team dominated West Texas A&M, 15-1, on Thursday night.
Director of Equestrian Haley Schoolfield
“What a great day for our team. We had a great opponent in West Texas and we had some good rides. There were also some places we can tighten up. We will get right to work on that tomorrow as we prepare for traveling next week. We thank the many parents, alumni, and fans that spent the day with us.”
The Rundown
In the morning portion of the competition, held at Turning Point Ranch in Springtown, Texas, the Horned Frogs topped the Buffs, 4-0, in Equitation over Fences. Bri Gonzalez took home the Most Outstanding Performer honor, winning 84-62 on Java. Patty Gill and Courtney May both won their first rides of the season, 81-69 and 79-67, respectively.
TCU also swept West Texas A&M, 4-0, in Equitation on the Flat. Jada Taylor took the MOP, the first of her career, winning 80-65. Niki Barnes was the high scorer of the event earning an 85 on Pim.
The meet then shifted down Jacksboro Highway as the Frogs and Buffaloes met up at the John Justin Arena to compete in Western.
The Frogs won three points in Reining with Skylar Smith, Bella Andrews and Anna Adams earning wins. Bella Andrews picked up the first win of her collegiate career with a 71.5-70 victory on Bud.
The meet concluded with TCU earning its third sweep of the day in Horsemanship. The Frogs were led by Drew Rogers and Marah Huston who earned 74 and 74.5, respectively. Drew Rogers won the MOP, while Anna Hauter and Natalia DeVencenty also picked up points.
Notes
– Today’s meet marks the third consecutive year TCU has competed in the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.
– TCU has now won two consecutive Stock Show meets.
– When TCU won the meet last year, the Frogs went on to win three of their next four meets.
– Six Horned Frogs recorded their first wins of the season.
– TCU moves to 3-0 all-time against West Texas A&M. This was the first meeting between the Frogs and Buffs since 2011.
Up Next
TCU will take to the road as it heads East for a showdown with Sweet Briar and South Carolina next Friday and Saturday, Feb. 8 and 9.
NO. 1 AUBURN DOWNS NO. 9 DELAWARE STATE, 15-1
FRESNO, Calif. – The No. 1 Auburn equestrian team opened the 2019 portion of the season with a 15-1 win over No. 9 Delaware State in Fresno, Calif., Friday at the Student Horse Center on the campus of Fresno State.
“The team’s riding was very good today,” head coach Greg Williams said. “It was nice to get out on the road again with this group and get back to competition.”
The Tigers swept the Most Outstanding Performer awards as the squad improved to 6-0 on the season. Seniors Blair McFarlin and Lauren Diaz led the way with honors in Reining and Horsemanship, respectively. Sophomore Taylor St. Jacques picked up MOP in Equitation Over Fences, while freshman McKayla Langmeier earned the award in Equitation on the Flat.
Auburn kicked off competition vs. the Hornets with a 4-0 sweep in Equitation Over Fences. St. Jacques led all riders with an 89 on the day to pick up her second MOP of the year in the event, topping Eva Epstein’s 73. Senior Ashton Alexander upped her win total in the event to five on the year as she edged Gabrielle Fournier, 71-70.
Senior Caitlin Boyle put together a 10-point win with an 84-74 victory over her opponent, while freshman Emma Kurtz capped the event with an 86-75 win over Sydney Wicklund.
Horsemanship upped Auburn’s lead on the Hornets with a 3-1 victory. Senior Kelsey Jung picked up her fourth victory on the year with a meet-best 74 points. Diaz followed with a 72.5-70.5 win to remain undefeated in Horsemanship, leading the Tigers with six victories so far. Her MOP selection was the third of the season for the Heath, Ohio, native.
Sophomore Taylor Searles closed things out with a 71.5-69.5 win over Samantha Elliott, putting the Tigers up 7-1 with two events remaining.
Auburn capped the final half of the meet with a pair of sweeps in Equitation on the Flat and Reining.
The Hunt Seat crew put an exclamation on its sweep of the Hornets, topping DSU in all four matches. Alexander finished with a 70-65 win over Erin Gordon before senior Hayley Iannotti scored 73 points in her victory. Langmeier picked up MOP honors with an 80-70 win, securing the first award in the event for her career. Kurtz capped the sweep with an 82-71 win.
The Reining corps never scored below a 70 to defeat the Hornets. Sophomore Terri-June Granger opened with a 71 in her win, while McFarlin followed with a 70.5-66.5 victory. The MOP nod for McFarlin was her second of the season.
Senior Ali Fratessa put together a 70-68.5 win over Amber Van Segbrook and sophomore Deanna Green finished the day with 71 points in her victory.
The Tigers cap the weekend Saturday vs. No. 10 Fresno State, finishing the meet vs. the Bulldogs that was started Friday. Auburn holds a 4-1 lead after Equitation Over Fences.
#1 AUBURN 15, #9 DELAWARE STATE 1
Equitation Over Fences
Taylor St. Jacques (AU) def. Eva Epstein (DSU), 89-73
Ashton Alexander (AU) def. Gabrielle Fournier (DSU), 71-70
Caitlin Boyle (AU) def. Erin Gordon (DSU), 84-74
Emma Kurtz (AU) def. Sydney Wicklund (DSU), 86-75
Equitation on the Flat
Ashton Alexander (AU) def. Erin Gordon (DSU), 70-65
Hayley Iannotti (AU) def. Sydney Wicklund (DSU), 73-61
McKayla Langmeier (AU) def. Zoe Kirsch (DSU), 80-70
Emma Kurtz (AU) def. Gabrielle Fourneir (DSU), 82-71
Horsemanship
Kelsey Jung (AU) def. Shelbe Jarrett (DSU), 74-70
Blayne Bell (DSU) def. Kara Kaufmann (AU), 67-66
Lauren Diaz (AU) def. Kelsey McArthur (DSU), 72.5-70.5
Taylor Searles (AU) def. Samantha Elliott (DSU), 71.5-69.5
Reining
Terri-June Granger (AU) def. Shelbe Jarrett (DSU), 71-68.5
Blair McFarlin (AU) def. Samantha Elliott (DSU), 70.5-66.5
Ali Fratessa (AU) def. Amber Van Segbrook (DSU), 70-68.5
Deanna Green (AU) def. Grace Wilson (DSU), 71-68
For the latest on Auburn Equestrian, follow @AuburnEQ on Twitter and visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/AuburnEQ.
NO. 1 AUBURN TOO MUCH FOR NO. 10 FRESNO STATE, 16-3
FRESNO, Calif. – The No. 1 Auburn equestrian team capped a busy weekend on the road with a 16-3 victory at No. 10 Fresno State at the Student Horse Center Saturday afternoon. The win moved the Tigers to 7-0 on the season.
“The conditions were really tough today in the wind and rain,” head coach Greg Williams said. “I’m really pleased with the way the team is working together as one and how they overcame the conditions. I also want to send a special thanks to the Fresno State staff and team on hosting a great weekend despite the weather. We’re excited to now come home and compete in front of our fans next week.”
The Tigers once again swept the Most Outstanding Performer honors as three seniors and one sophomore took home an award. Seniors Betsy Brown (Reining) and Kelsey Jung (Horsemanship) captured MOP on the Western side of competition, while senior Caitlin Boyle (Fences) and sophomore Taylor St. Jacques (Flat) picked up honors for Hunt Seat.
Auburn opened competition vs. the Bulldogs Friday, competing in Equitation Over Fences because of rain forecasted for Saturday. The Tigers saw wins from a pair of seniors and a pair of freshmen to go 4-1 over Fresno in the event.
Boyle kicked things off with her MOP ride, taking an 86-74 victory and was followed by a 77-76 win from freshman Emma Kurtz. Freshman McKayla Langmeier held on to her undefeated record in the event with an 85-74 win over Hailey Livingston. Senior Hayley Iannotti capped Fences with a huge 83-55 victory.
The teams returned to action Saturday and the Tigers got things started with a 3-1 win in Reining. Sophomore Deanna Green and senior Ali Fratessa each had 71 points in their victories to open up the event. Brown followed with a one-point win over Paige Barton, 67.5-66.5, for MOP and classmate Blair McFarlin scored 71.5 points in her tie.
The Hunt Seat squad capped the meet with a sweep in Equitation On the Flat. Seniors Alexander, Boyle and Iannotti put together big wins for the Tigers to start things off before St. Jacques scored a big 88 in her MOP win over Cecily Hayes. Langmeier closed things out with 86 points to best Alivia Hart’s 69.
Horsemanship closed out the day with a 4-1 win over the Bulldogs. Sophomore Taylor Searles finished the weekend undefeated with a 73.5-62.5 victory over her opponent, while classmate Green edged Alexis Steele, 70-69.5. Senior Kelsey Jung upped her win total on the year to five with another 74-point performance, earning her first MOP honor of the season. Junior Kara Kaufmann also earned 74 points in her fifth win for the year.
Auburn returns to the Auburn University Equestrian Center next weekend, hosting a pair of opponents in a tri-meet. The Tigers will welcome UT Martin and South Dakota State to the Plains, Feb. 8-9. UTM and SDSU will face off at 11 a.m. CT Friday before AU and the Skyhawks go head-to-head for the second time this season at 3 p.m. CT. Auburn and the Jackrabbits will cap the weekend with an 11 a.m. CT contest Saturday.
#1 AUBURN 15, #9 DELAWARE STATE 1
Equitation Over Fences
Caitlin Boyle (AU) def. Alivia Hart (FS), 86-74
Alex Dirickson (FS) def. Taylor St. Jacques (AU), 80-72
Emma Kurtz (AU) def. Cecily Hayes (FS), 77-76
McKayla Langmeier (AU) def. Hailey Livingston (FS), 85-74
Hayley Iannotti (AU) def. Hana Beiling (FS), 83-55
Equitation on the Flat
Ashton Alexander (AU) def. Brooke Nelson (FS), 76-66
Caitlin Boyle (AU) def. Alex Dirickson (FS), 77-76
Hayley Iannotti (AU) def. Hana Beiling (FS), 80-69
Taylor St. Jacques (AU) def. Cecily Hayes (FS), 88-67
McKayla Langmeier (AU) def. Alivia Hart (FS), 86-69
Horsemanship
Taylor Searles (AU) def. Lexi Miller (FS), 73.5-62.5
Nicole Campbell (FS) def. Lauren Diaz (AU), 74-73.5
Deanna Green (AU) def. Alexis Steele (FS), 70-69.5
Kelsey Jung (AU) def. Brooklyn Moch (FS), 74-72
Kara Kaufmann (AU) def. Hanna Bujis (FS), 74-73.5
Reining
Deanna Green (AU) def. Shea Gilson (FS), 71-0
Ali Fratessa (AU) def. Allison Nordvall (FS), 71-67.5
Betsy Brown (AU) def. Paige Barton (FS), 67.5-66.5
Blair McFarlin (AU) tied Kara Gustafson (FS), 71.5-71.5
Lexee Padrick (FS) def. Terri-June Granger (AU), 70.5-68.5
For the latest on Auburn Equestrian, follow @AuburnEQ on Twitter and visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/AuburnEQ.
NO. 10 FRESNO STATE DOWNS NO. 9 DELAWARE STATE, 13-5
FRESNO, Calif. – The No. 10 Fresno State equestrian team defeated No. 9 Delaware State, 13-5, at the Student Horse Center in its first competition of 2019 on Friday afternoon. Fresno State improves to 2-1 at home this season after knocking off two top-10 opponents at the Student Horse Center.
“Today was a good win against Delaware State,” said head coach Eric Hubbard. “We had some really good things happen today and some things that we could work on as well. Having been off for so long, we needed to get that first one behind us and I am happy we came out with the win.”
Senior Alexandra Dirickson was a perfect 3-0 in her rides on the day. The senior faced two Delaware State opponents and one Auburn opponent.
The Bulldogs earned three Most Outstanding Player awards in their matchup with No. 9 Delaware State. Dirickson was named the Flat MOP for her first award in the event this season. Freshman Alivia Hart was named the Fences MOP and freshman Alexis Steele was the Horsemanship MOP.
“We are a young team and we are still working through getting our nerves under control,” added Hubbard. “Alexis Steele was great in her first ride in our Horsemanship lineup. We leaned on Alexandra Dirickson and she showed her experience as a senior by going undefeated and getting the MOP. We have some work to do to close out against Auburn tomorrow.”
How it happened
The Bulldogs got started with a 4-1 win in Equitation Over Fences. Dirickson started her undefeated day with a 75-68 win in the event. Freshman Cecily Hayes followed with a 75-73 win over her opponent. Hart scored a season-best 78 to her opponent’s 74 and sophomore Hailey Livingston rounded out the scoring for the Bulldogs, picking up the final point of the event with a 73-62 ride.
Fresno State had its best outing of the day in the Horsemanship, where it swept Delaware State 5-0. Steele led the Bulldogs in her first career ride with a 75 to best her opponent’s 73.5. Fellow classmen Hannah Buijsand Brooklyn Moch earned their points in the event as well. Redshirt sophomore Nicole Campbell and sophomore Alexis Miller rounded out the scoring for the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs and Hornets saw an even matchup in Reining, finishing the event with a 2-2 tie. Junior Shea Gilson scored the first Bulldog point of the event with a 68.5-67 victory. Junior Paige Barton earned her fifth Reining point of the season on a 69.5-67 ride.
Fresno State led 11-3 through the first three events.
The Bulldogs were evenly matched in Equitation on the Flat, again tying with the Hornets 2-2. Hayes tied in her ride with a score of 58. Freshman Hana Beiling earned her first Flat win of the season with a 62-41 ride on Q. Dirickson earned the final point of the day with a 69-62 ride over her Delaware State opponent.
Fresno State earned its 10th win in 12 all-time meetings with Delaware State on Friday.
UP NEXT: Fresno State completed Equitation Over Fences against No. 1 Auburn on Friday. The Tigers took the event, 4-1. Dirickson earned the lone Bulldog point in the arena with a high-scoring 80 to her opponent’s 72.
NO. 4 TEXAS A&M TAKES DOWN NO. 2 SMU, 11-9
COLLEGE STATION – No. 4 Texas A&M Equestrian upset second-ranked SMU, 11-9, Saturday at the Hildebrand Equine Complex.
With the win, the Aggies move to 6-2 on the year while SMU suffered their first loss of the 2018-19 campaign and is now 6-1.
“I am very proud of the team today,” head coach Tana McKay said. “Knowing that you are going up against an undefeated team is never easy and SMU had some momentum. We had our work cut out for us, and they didn’t make it easy on us. I am proud for how they rode and worked together as a team. We are looking forward to hitting the road for another tough road meet against Georgia.”
In the meet’s first event, Equitation over Fences, Haley Redifer secured the lone point for the Aggies by defeating Kelsie Brittan, 82-68.
In the Western arena, Texas A&M dominated Horsemanship, 4-1. Kamiah McGrath scored first for the Aggies, defeating Mallory Vroegh, 74-71. Alex Albright topped Aubrey Alderman, 72.5-66, before Sarah Orsak edged out Ashley Mauney, 73.5-72.5. Katie Conklin earned Most Outstanding Player (MOP) honors with a 74.5-72 victory over Megan Waldron.
In Reining, the Aggies won the event, 3-2, as the Maroon & White started strong, winning the first three points. Kalee McCann knocked off Jill Pfisthner 73-72.5, followed by Marissa Harrell’s 73.5-70 victory over Madison Steed. Ashton Dunkel concluded the scoring by defeating Aubrey Alderman, 72-71.
Texas A&M won the day’s final event, Equitation on the Flat, 3-2. Caroline Dance earned the first point and MOP honors as she matched her career high with a score of 90 against Nora Gray’s 86. The Aggies tallied another point when Rhian Murphy defeated Tali DeJong, 75-70. In the winner-take-all final ride, Brianna Peddicord secured the Aggie victory with a dominating 81-68 victory over Haley Zimmerman.
The Aggies return to action against No. 3 Georgia on Saturday, Feb. 9. The meet is slated to begin at 10 a.m. at the UGA Equestrian Complex in Bishop, Ga.
To learn more about Texas A&M Equestrian, log on to 12thMan.com or follow @AggieEquestrian on Twitter and Instagram.
NO. 3 GAMECOCKS WIN HUNTER SEAT, 6-3, AND WESTERN, 6-2
BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. – The South Carolina equestrian team earned two wins on Saturday afternoon against Liberty, 6-3, in a Hunter Seat exhibition and over Ohio State, 6-2, in a Western exhibition at One Wood Farm.
The Gamecocks took three of the four MOP honors, including two in Hunter Seat and one in Western. Madison Brayman was awarded for her 82-point ride in Equitation Over Fences, while Grady Lymanwas honored for her 78 in Equitation on the Flat. On the Western side, Taylor Kellamwas recognized for her 73 in Horsemanship.
“We really want to thank Liberty and Ohio State for coming down,” head coach Boo Major said. “They rode great. We competed against Liberty in the fall and you can definitely see their improvement since the fall. It was a lot of fun. We had a great day. I think our girls were great (Saturday) and we’re just trying to keep building on what we finished with in the fall.”
South Carolina vs. Liberty
Starting off strong against the Flames in Equitation Over Fences, Carolina won the event, 3-1. Madison Sellman notched a, 78-75, win opposite of Kendall Burdette on Joe. Riding on Mack, Brayman topped Nadia Cooper, 82-75. Securing the final point for the Gamecocks, Caroline Baldearned a 37-point victory over Morgan Faber, 82-45, on Redford.
Finishing out with Equitation on the Flat, South Carolina also took the event, 3-2. Kate Bonhamscored a winning ride, 66-64, on Toby opposite of Amber Gayheart. Next, Bailey Imbustopped Kendall Burdette, 72-70, on Ollie. On Volan, Lyman earned a point for the Gamecocks with her, 78-64, ride against Hanna Gossard.
South Carolina vs. Ohio State
In Horsemanship, the Gamecocks blanked Ohio State, 6-0, winning all but one ride that ended in a tie. Mackenzie Matthews kicked things off with a, 70-66, victory opposite of Jillian Channell on Tulip. Madelynne Herlocker followed with a winning ride, 72-67, on Peaches against Sydney Krebs. Making it 3-0, Carolina, Kellam topped Erin Bosse, 73-72, on Caper.
Competing on Amos, Sloane Vogt and Ohio State’s Anna Hollenack tied, 71.5-71.5. Bringing another point to the Gamecocks’ side, Gabby Brassard won, 73-71, on Jazz opposite of Jessica Drown. Nikita Cope earned a, 69.5-63, win over Morgan Kiehl on Barbie. Rounding out the Horsemanship round, Alexa Thorpe made it 6-0, South Carolina, with a victory against Marissa Schneider on Paddy, 70.5-69.5.
Closing the competition with Reining, Carolina tied one ride and dropped the two others. Addie Cromer and Sophia Polumbo knotted, 70-70, on Sparky.
“It was a great prep for us and a great prep for our student-athletes to get ready for next weekend,” Major said. “Next weekend is TCU and then we have another home meet and it just keeps rolling. It was a great opportunity for us to get in the arena.”
Up next, the Gamecocks host TCU at 10 a.m., on Saturday, February 9, at One Wood Farm in Blythewood.
