Jan. 31, 2011
The No. 2 Auburn equestrian team started their spring season off with a win, downing UT-Martin 12-6 at the McWherter Ag Pavilion Friday.
"We kind of put ourselves in a bad position today," said head coach Greg Williams. "We had really good rides in hunt seat, characteristic of the season, and our reiners had to come back and do a total sweep to win the western event. I'm very proud of how they rode under that much pressure."
The Auburn hunt seat riders continued their winning ways, remaining undefeated in a 7-2 victory over the Skyhawks.
Auburn (7-2) won equitation over fences 3-2. Seniors Dottie Grubb and Anna Schierholz both picked up points on the day, defeating Brittany Kasprack 66-64 and Torie Efird 84-68 respectively. Auburn's third point came from sophomore Coryn Bergenty, who defeated Katie Miranda 78-75.
Auburn won equitation on the flat 4-0 behind MVP Maggie McAlary, who defeated Caroline Cramer 84-76. Despite having to re-ride, freshman Christina Lin defeated Kelsy Abell 77-68. Other Tiger winners included Grace Socha over Elizabeth Gay 78-71 and Ali Loprete over Torie Efird 78-74. Sophomore Anna Becker tied UT-Martin's Kara Bergenty with a score of 76.
The Auburn western riders defeated the Skyhawks 5-4, winning reining 5-0, but falling in horsemanship 4-0.
Senior Mary Casey earned the horsemanship MVP, tying UT-Martin's Stephanie Sanders with a score of 73.
The Auburn reiners swept UT-Martin behind MVP Stephanie Rucci, who defeated Michelle Chullock 70.5-69.5. Other Tiger winners included sophomore Indy Roper over Carly Lamb 69-64, junior Kristin Hansen over Candace Fulcher 65.5-64, junior Jillian Fuller over Stephanie Sanders 65.5-62 and senior Paige Monfore over Hannah Derks 70.5-68.
The Tigers return to action Feb. 12 as they take on conference foe No. 3 Georgia in Bishop, Ga.