March 6, 2010
AUBURN - The No. 2 Auburn equestrian team defeated conference rival and No. 1 Georgia 12-6 Saturday at the Auburn Equestrian Center. The Tigers improved to 11-2 while the Bulldogs fell to 9-2.
"There's not much better than out-riding another strong team," said Auburn head coach Greg Williams. "Auburn, once again, proved themselves as National Champion caliber, but all that is for the month of April to decide."
The Tigers won three of the four events on the day, winning Hunt Seat Equitation on the Flat 4-0, Western Horsemanship 3-2 and Western Reining 3-2. They tied with Georgia 2-2 in Hunt Seat Equitation over Fences.
In Hunt Seat Equitation on the Flat, the Tigers shut out the Bulldogs 4-0 behind MVP Lindsey Portela. Portela defeated Georgia's Emma Lipman 82-74. Other Tiger winners included Chelsea Anheuser over Grace Rogers 65-49, Katie Breedlove over Katie Hagerty 82-78 and Anna Becker over Carly Anthony 79-74. Auburn's Maggie McAlary and Georgia's Michelle Morris tied at 74.
In Hunt Seat Equitation over Fences, the Tigers and Bulldogs tied at 2-2. Auburn's Dottie Grubb defeated Michelle Morris 83-82 and Grace Socha defeated Grace Rogers 84-77. Georgia winners included Carly Anthony over MVP Maggie McAlary 85-79 and Kacy Jenkins over Anna Schierholz 77-62. Auburn's Ali Loprete and Georgia's Emma Lipman tied at 80.
In Western Horsemanship, Auburn edged Georgia 3-2 as Bailey Dymond defeated Maria Salazar 73-70, Kristin Hansen defeated Ali Eidson 71-67.5 and Jessica Jones defeated Lauren Love 72.5-69.5. Georgia winners included MVP Michelle Fulcher over Indy Roper 72-71 and Alisha Shrum over Kylie Miller 68.5-62.5.
In Western Reining, Auburn again defeated Georgia 3-2 behind MVP Lyndsay Jordan. Jordan defeated Sarah Locker 70.5-68.5. Other Auburn winners included Jillian Fuller over Hannah Dyer 71-69.5 and Paige Monfore over Diandra St. Hilaire 68.5-68. Georgia winners included Kelly Truesdell over Indy Roper 67.5-66 and Becca Haaland over Kim Pope 71-70.
Auburn returns to action this Saturday against No. 10 Fresno State and Sunday against No. 6 Kansas State in Fresno, Calif. The times for both meets have yet to be set.