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| No. 1 Auburn def. No. 3 Texas A&M in Tiebreak | |
| Location | Auburn, Ala. | Auburn University Horse Center |
| Results | PDF| HTML |
| Video | Highlights |
| Photos | Photo Gallery |
| Online | Twitter: @AuburnEQ | Facebook: Auburn Gymnastics |
AUBURN, Ala. - The No. 1 Auburn equestrian team closed out its home schedule with a nail-biter Saturday, defeating No. 3 Texas A&M in a tiebreak, 10-10 (1602-1550.5), at the Auburn University Horse Center. The Tigers improved to 9-1 overall and 5-1 in SEC play.
"We tried to force some things to start the day," head coach Greg Williams said. "Texas A&M came in here and rode hard. But I'm proud of the team for staying in it, not panicking, and pulling out a victory."
The Equitation Over Fences crew picked up a 4-1 win for the Tigers to open the day. Freshman Ashton Alexander led the team with a 90-76 win over Rachael Hake and secured her second MOP honor of the season. Senior Elizabeth Benson earned her ninth win of the year in the event with a 87-85 victory. Freshmen Caitlin Boyle and Hayley Iannotti also totaled points for Auburn as Boyle finished with an 82-81 win, while Iannotti won her match 72-45.
Senior Griffin Knight secured a point for Auburn in Horsemanship, defeating Carolyn Day, 74.5-73. Saturday's appearance in the event was the 58th overall for Knight, tying a program record for most career meets competed in. She also won MOP honors for her performance.
The teams entered the break tied, 5-5.
At intermission, the Tigers honored their 11 seniors under the covered arena. The senior class included Benson, Megan Bifano, Claire Connaghan, Allie Dusha, Landrie Folsom, Knight, Hannah Loseke, Hannah Marco, Morgan McQuay, Hailey Munger and Peyton Smith.
Following halftime, Auburn earned a tight 3-2 win in Equitation on the Flat. Junior Ashley Foster opened the event with an 87-79 victory and was followed by Alexander with a 91-73 win. Benson earned her 10th victory in Flat this season after defeating Audrey Gallagher, 95-93.
A pair of Tigers in Knight and sophomore Alexa Rivard picked up wins in Reining to close out the day. Knight's 71-69.5 win over Sarah Kate Grider secured her second MOP honor of the day, while Rivard's 70 points bested Ashley Dotson's 67.5.
Auburn closes out the regular season on the road, traveling to nationally-ranked Oklahoma State and Kansas State. The Tigers face the Cowgirls in a 10 a.m. meet, March 11, and then go up against the Wildcats in another 10 a.m. meet, March 12.
For the latest on Auburn equestrian, follow @AuburnEQ on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuburnEQ.