Oct. 1, 2010
BLYTHEWOOD, S.C.-- The Auburn equestrian team remained undefeated Friday as it defeated South Carolina in exciting fashion, winning in a raw score tiebreaker 1472-1469. After four sections of competition, the SEC foes finished tied 10-10, forcing a raw score calculation that ended in the Tigers' favor.
"This group is riding well, but more importantly, riding together as a team," head coach Greg Williams said. "We talked about finding a way to win, just win. I am very proud of coach Neubarth, coach Helfer and all of the girls."
South Carolina (2-1) took both western horsemanship and equitation on the flat 3-2 and led Auburn (3-0) 6-4 entering the half.
Auburn battled back to win both equitation over fences and western reining by scores of 3-2. That tied the score and ultimately gave the Tigers the win.
In horsemanship, Auburn winners include Indy Roper, who defeated South Carolina's Maggie Fortune (71.5-70.5) and Stephanie Rucci, who defeated Haley Thornton (71-67). Chelsea Zillner was the MVP, despite losing to Jonna Letchworth, 73-69.5.
In equitation on the flat, MVP Maggie McAlary led the Tigers by defeating the Gamecocks' Carolyn Curcio, 88-77. Auburn's Lindsay Portela defeated Kimberly McCormack, 85-83.
In equitation over fences, the Tigers were led by big rides from seniors Dottie Grubb and Anna Schierholz. Grubb defeated Alex Arute by a score of 84-83, while Schierholz defeated Paige Dekko, 84-67. Auburn's Maggie McAlary also picked up a win as she defeated Emma Johnson by a score of 80-63.
In reining, Auburn winners included Paige Monfore over Amanda Pope (73.5-72.5), Kristin Hansen over Chloe Gray (74-72) and Indy Roper over Jordan Brown (73-72.5).
The Tigers return to competition Oct. 8 against Delaware State at 3 p.m. and Oct. 9 against Fresno State at 10 a.m. at the Auburn University Horse Center.