Nov. 5, 2011
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Brookings, S.D. - The Auburn equestrian team remained perfect on the season improving to 6-0 overall while claiming all eight MVP honors by defeating both South Dakota State and Delaware State on Saturday.
"I'm really proud of the girls performing the way they did, particularly in a double-header on the same day," said head coach Greg Williams. "The most impressive feat, one that I think may be a college first, is that we won all eight MVP awards."
Auburn first defeated South Dakota State, 11-5, while claiming two of the four events and all four MVP honors.
Auburn tied with SDSU in both Equitation Over Fences and also in Reining, 2-2. In Equitation Over Fences, Grace Socha posted an 84 to defeat Brianna Yeargin's score of 67 and Jennifer Waxman beat Megan Violand, 89-79, to claim MVP honors. In Reining, Cheyenne Cracraft was named MVP, defeating Jana Basler, 72-66.5.
In Equitation on the Flat, which Auburn swept 4-0, saw an impressive posting by MVP Maggie McAlary who defeated Megan Schiffman, 94-71. Piper Donnelly beat Jenna Boscardin, 80-77, Anna Becker defeated Meredith Sauer, 77-74, and Megan Violand fell to Christina Lin, 85-61.
Auburn won Horsemanship, 3-1, led by MVP Stephanie Rucci who defeated Maggie Holzworth, 72-69. Also winning their points were Danielle Long, who defeated Hillery Baysinger 68-69, and Katsy Leeman who beat Amy Mandelke, 71-68.
Against Delaware State, Auburn took home all four MVPs and claimed three of four events winning, 13-3.
Auburn took Horsemanship, 4-0. Leading the charge was MVP Katie Buff who defeated Taylor Scuse, 73-66. Lucy Igoe beat Breann Huyett, 59.5-46. Stephanie Rucci downed Kenzie Trueba, 68-56. Barely edging Brittni Collins was Katsy Leeman, winning the point, 70.5-70.
In Reining, which Auburn and DSU tied, 2-2, saw Kristin Hansen take home MVP honors by defeating Kenzi Trueba, 71.5-65.5. Cheyenne Cracraft got the other point by beating Kali Voshell, 71-69.
Auburn won Equitation Over Fences, 3-1. Quincy Hayes was named MVP. She defeated Shelby Bonneville, 81-73. Winning their points as well were, Maggie McAlary, who defeated Erin Engard 81-69 and Christina Lin, who defeated Caroline Foltz, 82-76.
Helping Auburn claim Equitation on the Flat, 4-0, was Lindsay Portela, who claimed MVP honors by defeating Alyssa Berfield, 84-75. Rachel Cooper defeated Erin Engard, 82-66, Jennifer Delman beat Shelby Bonneville, 65-55, and Caroline Foltz fell to Grace Socha, 82-70.
"We had a bad start to the day with assistant western coach Lisa Helfer being taken to the hospital," Williams said. "She will be so proud when we discuss the details of the meets and how these girls performed and stuck to their practice plans. So until then, we dedicate these two wins to her and wish her a speedy recovery."
Next up, Auburn will travel to Bishop, Ga., to take on Georgia. The meet will take place on Friday, Nov. 11, at noon (CT) at the UGA Equestrian Complex.