Nov. 21, 2014
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FRESNO, Calif. -- The sixth-ranked Auburn equestrian team powered its way to a 10-6 upset over No. 4 Kansas State on Friday at the Student Horse Center in Fresno, Calif. The Tigers claimed 3-1 victories in both English events as well as Reining, in addition to sweeping the MOP honors.
"Winning 3-1 in three out of the four events and being named MOP in all four events is huge," head coach Greg Williams said. "For the most part we rode fantastic. In the other areas where we didn't ride well, those errors we made today are so easily correctable, so we are looking for a good round tomorrow against Fresno State."
Auburn (3-2, 1-2 SEC) took an early 3-1 lead after Equitation Over Fences as junior Megan Bifano earned her first victory of the season, defeating Alexis Grabes, 84-76. Junior Elizabeth Benson moved to 5-0 on the season in the event following her 74-71 victory over Madison Wayda, while sophomore Ashley Foster recorded an 85, topping Taylor Schmidt's 68 to earn MOP honors.
Sophomore Hannah Stephens recorded Auburn's fourth point of the match, defeating Alyssa Lombardi, 74-66.5, en route to being named MOP in Horsemanship. The Wildcats won the final three points in Horsemanship to even the match at four at the break.
In Equitation on the Flat, Auburn reeled off three-straight wins from Benson, Stiegler and sophomore Tory Hoft to regain the lead. Benson secured an 82-78 victory over Taylor Schmidt, followed by an 80-73 win from Stiegler over Gretchen Koenen. Hoft was named MOP in the event after recording the SEC's highest score on Flat this season, a 95, to defeat Maidson Wayda's 86.
"Tory's ride was unbelievable," Williams continued. "We just feel like Tory has turned the corner this season. She has really gotten the hang of college riding, and she is really coming into her own."
Junior Griffin Knight knocked off Kara Guy 68.5-65.5, and earned MOP honors in Reining, before senior Katsy Leeman secured the win for the Tigers with a 71-70 victory over Savannah Smith. In her competitive debut for the Tigers, Allie Dusha defeated Brynn Critcher 70-67.5 to close out the match.
"I thought this was a breakout ride for Allie" Williams said. "Winning was big for her. She took a big horse and just went with it. She got a great score and stayed confident the entire time. That was huge."
The Tigers will return to action on Saturday at 12 p.m. CT to take on the Fresno State Bulldogs. Live scoring for tomorrow's match can be found online here.
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