March 10, 2018
AUBURN, Ala. -- The No. 2 Auburn equestrian team capped the 2017-18 regular season Saturday, defeating Fresno State, 15-2, at the Auburn University Equestrian Center. The Tigers improved to 9-3 overall with the victory.
"This team moved up another notch today," head coach Greg Williams said. "This was the best we've seen them ride all year. They are taking a couple days off before gearing up for the SEC Championship and I believe this team has more in them and are going to get even better."
The Tigers recognized their three seniors at intermission, honoring Caitlin Creel, Alexa Rivard, and Abby Wagner.
"It's special to have our seniors come away with a win both as a team and on their individual rides," Williams said. "For four years, this group has put the team ahead of themselves and the team acknowledges that and really sees this class as leaders in every aspect."
The Horsemanship corps continued its unbeaten streak, going 4-0-1 against Fresno State. Freshman Taylor Searles was awarded her second-consecutive 75 for Auburn, defeating Rachel Williams. Sophomore Kara Kaufmann bested Taylor Dixon, 73-69, and junior Lauren Diaz edged Julia Kelly, 72.5-72.
Redshirt junior Kelsey Jung earned her second Most Outstanding Performer honor the year, besting Taeya Harle's 74 with a meet-best 75.5. Freshman Deanna Green's 72 matched her opponent to finish in a tie.
In Equitation on the Flat, the Tigers went 3-1-1 vs. the Bulldogs to guide Auburn to a 7-1 lead at intermission. Freshman Taylor St. Jacques was awarded her third MOP honor and sixth win in the event this year, topping Kylina Chalack, 74-65. Junior Hayley Iannotti picked up her team-leading 11th Flat win of the season with a 67-52 victory over Alex Dirickson.
Creel secured Auburn's third point of the event on Senior Day, scoring 67 points to best Natalie Wendt's 55. Junior Caitlin Boyle rode to a 61-61 tie with her Bulldog opponent.
After the break, it was the Equitation Over Fences crew's turn to go undefeated as the Tigers swept FSU, 5-0. Junior Ashton Alexander's 85-66 victory awarded her MOP recognition, while classmate Alex Ladove followed with 82 points in her win. Boyle outscored her opponent by 40, winning 81-41. St. Jacques led all student-athletes with 86 points in her win and Iannotti capped the event with an 81-75 triumph over Chalack.
The Auburn Reining corps tallied a 3-1-1 mark and was led by senior Rivard. The Suwanee, Ga., product extended her winning streak to four and earned her third MOP in the last four meets, outscoring FSU's Taylor Dixon, 72.5-71.
Freshman Terri-June Granger got things started with a 69.5-66.5 victory to up her season total to a team-leading eight wins on the year. Junior Blair McFarlin bested her opponent, 71-69.5, while classmate Betsy Brown rode to a 70-70 tie.
Auburn takes a couple weeks off before the 2018 SEC Championships. The two-day tournament will be held in Blythewood, S.C., and will be hosted by South Carolina, March 30-31.
#2 AUBURN 15, FRESNO STATE 2
Equitation on the Flat
Taylor St. Jacques (AU)* def. Kylina Chalack (FSU), 74-65
Hayley Iannotti (AU) def. Alex Dirickson (FSU), 67-52
Caitlin Boyle (AU) tied Brooke Nelson (FSU), 61-61
Caitlin Creel (AU) def. Natalie Wendt (FSU), 67-55
Sierra Swaffer (FSU) def. Ashton Alexander (AU), 72-63
Equitation Over Fences
Ashton Alexander (AU)* def. Paige Pastorino (FSU), 85-66
Alex Ladove (AU) def. Sierra Swaffer (FSU), 82-79
Caitlin Boyle (AU) def. Natalie Wendt (FSU), 81-41
Taylor St. Jacques (AU) def. Erica Rosinski (FSU), 86-77
Hayley Iannotti (AU) def. Kylina Chalack (FSU), 81-75
Horsemanship
Taylor Searles (AU) def. Rachel Williams (FSU), 75-0
Deanna Green (AU) tied Katie Altenhofel (FSU), 72-72
Kara Kaufmann (AU) def. Taylor Dixon (FSU), 73-69
Lauren Diaz (AU) def. Julia Kelly (FSU), 72.5-72
Kelsey Jung (AU)* def. Taeya Harle (FSU), 75.5-74
Reining
Terri-June Granger (AU) def. Allison Nordvall (FSU), 69.5-66.5
Betsy Brown (AU) tied Paige Barton (FSU), 70-70
Alexa Rivard (AU)* def. Taylor Dixon (FSU), 72.5-71
Kara Gustafson (FSU) def. Deanna Green (AU), 66-0
Blair McFarlin (AU) def. Shea Gilson (FSU), 71-69.5
* - Denotes Most Outstanding Performer
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