Nov. 7, 2014
AUBURN, Ala. - The No. 4 Auburn equestrian team edged out the ninth-ranked Texas A&M Aggies, 11-9, on Friday at the Auburn University Horse Center. With the win, the Tigers move to 2-1 (1-1 SEC) on the season.
"I felt really pumped when I watched our riding. I thought our Fences group looked good, as we really improved on some things," head coach Greg Williams said. "All of a sudden, it felt like the wheels were coming off. I thought Jennifer Delman had a great ride, but she got a tough score, and that shook things up on the Flat. The reiners made some mistakes and we messed up. The Hunt Seat girls really held on and pulled it out for the Western girls. A&M did not let up, so I am proud of the girls for holding on and getting the win."
In Equitation over Fences, Auburn earned their first victory of the season in the event, 3-2, behind victories from senior Demi Stiegler, junior Elizabeth Benson and sophomore Ashley Foster. Stiegler defeated Leah Chenelle, 83-70, while Benson knocked off Alex Desiderio, 73-69. Foster topped Haley Webster, 81-76.
The Tigers went into halftime with a 6-4 lead after defeating the Aggies 3-2 in Horsemanship. Senior Katie Buff defeated Mollie Jacobs, 71.5, followed by Hannah Loseke, who ousted Carolyn Day, 72.5-69.5. Sophomore Hannah Stephens scored the Tigers' final point with a 70-69.5 victory over Rachel Lucht.
Benson and Stiegler continued their winning form in Equitation on the Flat as Benson defeated Hannah Williams 85-78, while Stiegler's 86 bettered Haley Buchmiller's 79. Sophomore Tory Hoft recorded the SEC's fourth-highest score, an 87, to defeat Alex Desiderio and earn MOP honors.
Katsy Leeman earned her second win of the season in reining, edging out Sarah Kate Griden, 70.5-69 while being named MOP, before Hailey Munger scored a 66 to defeat Hannah Jechow's 65.
The Tigers will return to action on Nov. 14 as they square off with No. 6 Georgia in Athens, Ga., at 12 p.m. CT.
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