Feb. 14, 2015
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AUBURN, Ala. - After trailing 7-3 at halftime, the Auburn equestrian team battled back in Reining and Equitation on the Flat, but ultimately fell 10-9 to No. 5 Georgia on Saturday at the Auburn University Horse Center.
"We just lost too many points today in Horsemanship, and against a good team like Georgia, you can't fall into a hole like that in any event," head coach Greg Williams said. "We almost came out with a win. Tory Hoft had a killer ride. One more point and that does it, but she came out with a tie. Demi (Stiegler) had a great ride, but it was too late at that point.
"I think every event is riding well, we just have to get the Horsemanship twisted right back around. They didn't really execute like they have been in practice, and that is my fault. I work with the coaches and that is something I have to make an adjustment with. That part is on me. You can't have it where one group gets in a hole, but great riding by Georgia. They did a fabulous job."
In Equitation over Fences, the Tigers (4-4, 1-3 SEC) picked up wins from senior Demi Stiegler and junior Elizabeth Benson. Benson, who is now 8-0 on the season in Fences, defeated Meg O'Mara, 87-85, to earn MOP honors, and Stiegler topped Liza Fisness, 82-80. Senior Lucy Igoe earned the lone point for the Tigers in Horsemanship, knocking off Heather Schmidt, 70.5-0.
Auburn rallied in the second half, winning 3-2 in Reining and 3-1 in Equation on the Flat. Junior Allie Dusha was named MOP in Reining following her 71-69.5 defeat over Charley Thiel. Junior Hailey Munger defeated Lauren Tieche, 67-65, and freshman Alexa Rivard topped Claudia Spreng, 66-63.5.
Benson secured her fifth win of the season in Flat, bettering Addy Cord, 84-81, before Ashley Foster defeated Megan Southam 86-81. Stiegler closed the match with a 91-88 victory over O'Mara to earn her sec]=`1ond MOP honor of the season.
The Tigers will return to action February 28 against South Carolina at 9 a.m. CT in Blythewood, S.C.
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