March 26, 2011
The Auburn equestrian team earned its second straight SEC championship victory today, defeating Georgia 11-9 in the final round at One Wood Farm in Blythewood, S.C. After No. 2 seed Georgia beat No. 3 seed South Carolina in the first round of competition Friday, the Tigers defeated the Bulldogs for the championship, winning hunt seat 6-4 and western in raw score 1447.5-1305.5. Auburn (13-3) also won the 2010 SEC championship in Auburn.
Winning SECs is a good indicator that you're ready for nationals," said head coach Greg Williams.
"I'm so proud of the team and what they have accomplished. I love the way coach Helfer and coach Neubarth continue to improve this group. I think the best is yet to come in mid April."
Auburn had a 6-4 lead at the half after winning flat 4-1, but falling in horsemanship 3-2.
Tiger flat points came from sophomore Anna Becker, junior MVP Maggie McAlary, sophomore Lindsay Portela and junior Graee Socha. Becker defeated Abby O'Mara 157-153, McAlary defeated Michelle Morris 157-148, Portela defeated Olivia Dorey 145-137 and Socha defeated Carly Anthony 152-149.
In horsemanship, senior Mary Casey and junior Kristin Hansen earned points for Auburn. Casey defeated Dana Wilson 148-146 and Hansen defeated Katelyn Van Allen 139-0.
Auburn fell to Georgia 3-2 in equitation over fences. With outstanding scores, McAlary earned her second MVP on the day, defeating Carly Anthony 179-165. Socha defeated Dorey 166-156.
To clinch the win, the Auburn reiners pulled out a 3-2 victory. Junior Jillian Fuller defeated Jackie Hoyt 136.5-129, Hansen defeated Becca Haaland 148.5-145.5 and sophomore Indy Roper defeated Hannah Dyer 148.5-138.5.
Auburn enters the Varsity Equestrian National Championships with winning records in both western and hunt seat. Auburn's western riders are 11-4 on the season, while the hunt seat riders have ridden to an impressive 15-1 record in 2011. The national championships will be held in Waco, Texas, April 14-16.