AUBURN, Ala. – The No. 1 Auburn equestrian team capped a perfect regular season with a nail-biting win over No. 7 Texas A&M, edging the Aggies at the Auburn University Equestrian Center, 10-9. The victory moved the Tigers to 13-0 overall and 6-0 in the Southeastern Conference.
"This team never quits," head coach Greg Williams said. "They stayed dialed in all the way through the last ride. We've been reminded why every point matters and we have to go after each one with that attitude. I have said since the start of the season that Texas A&M is a very good team and will ride hard. They did that today."
It all came down to the last ride Saturday afternoon as the teams were tied 9-9. Junior Terri-June Granger drew the final spot in Reining and went into the ring having to top Emmy-Lu Marsh's 70. The Dothan, Ala., product came away with a 70.5 to help the Tigers keep their perfect record intact.
"I would say I was slightly nervous given the situation," Granger said. "However, I felt very confident and comfortable with my horse and knew we could win. I had to win my point because this team deserved this win so I went in with the mindset we've carried all year long and rode for them. It was a great feeling winning the final point and hearing my team cheer when we knew we had won. I am thankful for all my teammates and am proud of how we all competed today."
Adding to the excitement was the recognition of Auburn's seven seniors during the meet – Emma Crosbie, Kara Kaufmann, Becky Kozma, Haley Pembroke, Anna Claire Smith, Caroline Walker, and Lillian Wagner.
Auburn held a 6-3 advantage at intermission after strong performances in Flat and Horsemanship.
The Flat corps finished 4-1 on the day and junior Taylor St. Jacques earned her second-straight MOP honor in the event and seventh overall. After the Aggies picked up the first match, sophomores McKayla Langmeier and Emma Kurtz followed with a pair of one-point victories. Freshman Ava Stearns followed with an 87-81 win over Kaitlyn Lovingfuss and St. Jacques sealed the event with 89 points in her 10-point victory.
The Tigers went 2-2-1 with the Aggies in Horsemanship, starting with a victory from junior Taylor Searles. Freshman Olivia Tordoff upped her win total to 11 on the season with a 76-74 win over Ashley Davidson and classmate Maddie Spak earned an important 72.5-72.5 tie with Alex Albright.
Auburn saw two wins in Fences from Kurtz and Langmeier. Kurtz topped Carolina Passarelli, 83-78, and Langmeier edged Lovingfuss, 79-77.
Freshman Kayla Shelnutt kicked off Reining with a 69-65.5 win for the Tigers and Granger ended the event with her 70.5-70 victory. With the win, Granger improved to 11-2-0 on the season to lead all Reining riders and earned her second-straight MOP recognition.
Auburn now looks to the postseason where it hopes to defend its Southeastern Conference title, March, 27-28. The league meet will be held in Bishop, Ga., and is hosted by Georgia.
#1 AUBURN 10, #7 TEXAS A&M 9
Fences
Emma Kurtz (AU) def. Caroline Passarelli (TAMU), 83-78
McKayla Langmeier (AU) def. Kaitlyn Lovingfuss (TAMU), 79-77
Hayden Stewart (AU) def. Megan Knapic (AU), 87-84
Haley Redifer (TAMU)* def. Ava Stearns (AU), 86-72
Grace Boston (TAMU) def. Taylor St. Jacques (AU), 77-72
Flat
Hayden Stewart (TAMU) def. Paige Matthies (AU), 83-75
McKayla Langmeier (AU) def. Ellie Williams (TAMU), 81-80
Emma Kurtz (AU) def. Rhian Murphy (TAMU), 84-83
Ava Stearns (AU) def. Kaitlyn Lovingfoss (TAMU), 87-81
Taylor St. Jacques (AU)* def. Nicole Leonard (TAMU), 89-79
Horsemanship
Taylor Searles (AU) def. Cameron Crenwelge (TAMU), 70.5-68.5
Hayley Riddle (TAMU)* def. Deanna Green (AU), 76.5-76
Olivia Tordoff (AU) def. Ashley Davidson (TAMU), 76-74
Maddie Spak (AU) tied Alex Albright (TAMU), 72.5-72.5
Katie Conklin (TAMU) def. Kara Kaufmann (AU), 72-71.5
Reining
Kayla Shelnutt (AU) def. Marissa Harrell (TAMU), 69-65.5
Darby Gardner (TAMU) def. Taylor Searles (AU), 71.5-70.5
Lisa Bricker (TAMU) def. Deanna Green (AU), 71-70.5
Courtney Yohey (TAMU) def. Jen Kasper (AU), 68.5-65
Terri-June Granger (AU) def. Emmy-Lu Marsh (TAMU), 70.5-70