Sept. 23, 2016
AUBURN, Ala. - The No. 1 Auburn equestrian team kicked off the 2016-17 season Friday afternoon, hosting Ole Miss in an exhibition meet at the Auburn University Horse Center.
"It was good to see some new faces out there and to see the team compete well," head coach Greg Williams said. "We still have things to work on and get better at, but overall I'm pleased with today's effort and am looking forward to this season with this team."
The team was excited to show off the new additions to the AU Horse Center today. The program became the first equestrian team in the nation to have a permanent videoboard. Auburn also added a Scholarship Lounge to enhance gameday experience.
"We are so pleased and thankful with the new additions out here and I think having these elements has already brought our sport to another level," Williams said.
Auburn jumped out to a 9-1 lead to start competition. The Horsemanship crew went a perfect 5-0 against the Rebels with junior Kelsey Jung opening with a winning score of 71.5. Sophomore Megan Rauh followed with a 69-67 victory over Elizabeth Wooten and Kara Kaufmann won her match with a score of 73.5. Sophomore Lauren Diaz captured a 69.5-60.5 win before freshman Cydney Benes completed the shut out with a 65-60 victory.
The Equitation Over Fences corps had a successful day as well, finishing 4-1. Junior Abby Wagner posted a 77 in her win and was followed by freshman Bailey Brasington's 72-38 victory. Sophomore Alex Ladove scored a team-high 80 for the W and freshman Becky Kozma sent the Tigers into the break with a 79-70 win.
After intermission, the Flat riders put together a strong showing to finish a perfect 5-0. Kozma got the team started with a winning score of 71. Sophomore Kennedy Knapic followed with a 75 before Ladove earned her second win of the day, defeating Nora Heindel, 72-66. Freshman Anna Claire Smith posted an 81 and junior Caitlin Creel finished off the sweep with a team-high 84.
The Tigers capped the day with a 4-1 victory in Reining. Sophomore Betsy Brown started the Tigers with a 63 in a win before classmates Blair McFarlin and Ali Fratessa posted a pair of 65s in their match wins. Diaz picked up a 63.5-61 victory for Auburn to also finish 2-0 on the day.
Auburn swept the MOP honors, taking home all four. Creel (Flat) and Ladove (Fences) were awarded in Hunt Seat, while Kaufmann (Horsemanship) and Diaz (Reining) were recognized in Western.
Up next, the Tigers take to the road for a Thursday meet at UT-Martin, Sept. 29. Auburn and the Skyhawks will square off at 1 p.m. CT in the Ned McWerter Agricultural Pavilion.
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