NCEA Wins Go to UT Martin Over Georgia and Texas A&M Over SD State
Skyhawk Equestrian Opens Spring With Stirring 11-9 Triumph Over No. 6 Georgia
MARTIN, Tenn. – The spring portion of the 2018-19 University of Tennessee at Martin equestrian schedule got off to a rousing start today as the Skyhawks picked up a big 11-9 victory over No. 6 Georgia at the Ned McWherter Agricultural Pavilion.
UT Martin’s Western squad claimed seven of the 10 awarded points, including four of the five reining points in the final event of the day. The Skyhawks received MOP performances out of Kenzie Mezrah (equitation on the flat), Tess Baumann (horsemanship) and Noel Meadows (reining).
Kelby Kane got UT Martin in the scoring column thanks to an 83-point performance in equitation over fences. Monika Zoromski (80 points), Abbie Hopkins (78) and Brooke Pfeiffer(76) also turned in strong efforts for the Skyhawks.
In horsemanship, UT Martin collected head-to-head victories by Baumann (76.5 points), Bailey Newlin (72) and McAuley Ross (71). In addition, Lucy Eier (73.5 points) and Devon Woods (71) posted quality performances but were defeated by 2.5 points or less.
Mezrah’s 87-point effort in equitation on the flat led the way for the Skyhawks as she captured her first career MOP. Kane and Quinn Reed also secured victories with scores of 83 and 76 points, respectively. Zoromski’s 79 points and Hopkins’ 69 points were also solid scores but each were edged out by their Bulldog counterparts.
Trailing 8-7 heading into reining, UT Martin came through with several clutch performances. Meadows’ 72 points was the top score in the event and were followed closely by winning efforts by Baumann (69.5), Hannah McDonald (68.5) and Maddie Mykolaitis (67.5). Sammi Felts also pieced together a score of 68.5 points, barely falling to her competitor.
The Skyhawks continue their spring slate on Friday, Feb. 8 when they travel to Auburn, Ala. for a pair of competitions. UT Martin will take on current No. 1 Auburn and South Dakota State.
No. 4 Texas A&M Rides Past South Dakota State, 14-5
BROOKINGS, S.D. – The No. 4 Texas A&M equestrian team defeated South Dakota State, 14-5, Saturday inside the DeHaan Equestrian Center.
The Aggies (5-2) quickly jumped out to a 3-2 lead after Equitation Over Fences. Haley Redifer secured the first point of the meet with an 86-82 victory over Jessica Martinez and was named Most Outstanding Player (MOP). Hayden Stewart topped Alexa Maiello, 82-81, before Rebekah Chenelle closed out the event with an 83-61 win over Matilyn Skinner.
Texas A&M extended its lead to four, winning Horsemanship, 4-1. Sarah Orsak remains undefeated in her senior campaign as the San Antonio, Texas, native defeated Emily Keiser, 76.5-67. Katie Conklin followed with a 72.5-70 victory over Jadyn Taylor. Hayley Riddle knocked off Jordan Gates, 75-71, to earn MOP honors as Ashley Davidson edged out Whitney Vesey, 75.5-75.
In Equitation on the Flat, Chenelle led off the event with a 70-69 triumph over Claire Garduno. Brianna Peddicord notched a 76-0 victory against Maiello, and Dance was named the event’s MOP after downing Skinner, 83-77. Adele McKenna narrowly defeated Jacey Chorlton, 77-76, to give the Aggies an 11-3 lead.
Lisa Bricker kicked off Reining with a 73-69 victory over Jordan Gates to earn MOP honors, before Kalee McCann defeated Rylee Streit, 72.5-66. Ashton Dunkel recorded the final point for Texas A&M, besting Cassidy Gardiner, 68-63.
The Aggies return to action Feb. 2 as the Maroon & White take on No. 2 SMU at 11 a.m. at the Hildebrand Equine Complex. Admission to the meet is free.
To learn more about Texas A&M equestrian, log on to 12thMan.com or follow @AggieEquestrian on Twitter and Instagram.
Scoresheets
