Collegiate Equestrian Team Update: No. 8 TCU Stuns No. 4 Oklahoma State

TCU Media

SPRINGTOWN, Texas – No. 8 TCU closed out its home schedule Saturday in style, claiming a 12-8 decision in dramatic fashion over No. 4 Oklahoma State at Turning Point Ranch.

In a meet that came down to the final event of the day, the Horned Frogs rose to the challenge to stay in contention for a Big 12 Championship and move to 5-1 at home. Needing three points in Horsemanship to claim the win, the Frogs’ headed into the discipline with an 8-7 lead and then watched as sophomore Colby Plott downed two-time All-America honoree Katy Krshka, 75.5-75, to secure Saturday’s home finale. With the win, Plott handed the highly decorated Krshka, who was the Big 12 Co-Horsemanship Rider of the Year a year ago, her first loss of the season.

Sophomore Erin Gillette also had a successful outing in Horsemanship, scoring a 76.5-73 decision over Ty Parris. Calli Rouse followed, downing Paris Nottingham, 76-73, to claim MOP honors, while Riley Morgan continued her winning ways, defeating freshmen Megan McMullen’s older sister Lindsey McMullen, 73.5-73.

“Our team knew Oklahoma State would be coming in with a lot of talent and a lot of momentum after some big wins this spring against Auburn and Kansas State,” said TCU Director of Equestrian Haley Schoolfield. “These student-athletes practiced all week knowing they were going to win and it showed today. It was a great day for our seniors, especially for Caitlin Ader who was MOP in Equitation over Fences today on JC.”

On the day, Chantz Stewart and Rouse both claimed MOP accolades in Reining and Horsemanship, respectively, while Caitlin Ader earned her first MOP in Equitation over Fences to close out her home career.

With the win, the Horned Frog improved to 6-4 on the season and 3-2 in Big 12 action.

In Reining, Shelby St. Hilaire and Stewart recorded victories, which allowed the Frogs to claim a 6-4 decision in Western. Stewart rode Flash 2 to a 73-68.5 decision over Mackenzie Fugitt. With the win, Stewart posted her second-straight MOP accolade in conference play. St. Hilaire defeated Erin Willoughby, 69-67.5.

On the Hunt Seat side, the Frogs dominated the Cowgirls in Equitation over Fences, recording a 4-1 decision. Leading the way for the Frogs in Fences was Ader who closed out her home career in style, upending Jordan Davis, 86-77, to earn MOP honors. Sophomore Nikki Diamantis also had a successful outing, downing Andrea Robbins, 84-69. Finally, Taylor Alexander and Kaitlin Perry were also victorious in the discipline, scoring wins over Samantha Elser and Maggie Gampfer, respectively. With the win, Perry improved to 5-2-1 on the season in Fences.

In Equitation on the Flat, the Frogs dropped a hard-fought 3-2 decision to the Cowgirls. Perry continued her winning ways on the day, dropping Ali Rose, while Peddicord defeated Jordan Davis, 82-76.

Following competition, the Purple and White honored 2014 senior’s Ader, Johanna Bishop Viscarra, Ciera Fowler, Taylor Gillette, Courtney Motz, Sarah Southworth, Allison Winspear and Hadley Woodruff. The Frogs also retired Val and Sassy Saturday afternoon after several successful years in the show ring for the Frogs.

TCU will next be in action Saturday, March 1 at SMU.

Meet Notes

• TCU improved to 6-4 overall and 3-2 in the Big 12.

• TCU moved to 5-1 at home this season.

• Oklahoma State leads the all-time series, 7-6.

• TCU retired Val and Sassy Saturday afternoon.

• Eight senior student-athletes were honored following Saturday’s outing.

• TCU earned three Most Outstanding Player accolades on the day.

• Both Calli Rouse and Chantz Stewart earned their third MOP honors of the season.

• Senior Caitlin Ader finished out her last home meet MOP honors in Hunt Seat.