AUBURN, Ala. – The No. 6 Auburn equestrian team kicked off the 2022-23 season hosting its annual Blue and Orange scrimmage at the Auburn University Equestrian Center Friday afternoon. Orange topped Blue, 11-9, at the end of the meet.
"It was a great day out here and was good to see some of our new faces compete," head coach Greg Williams said. "Today was all about getting back into meet mode and I think the team really did well staying focused and putting up some big rides. We're excited for what the season has in store."
Team Orange took three of four possible Most Outstanding Performer honors on the day. Sophomores Hallie Rush and Anna Marie Mayes took MOPs in Fences and Flat, respectively, while junior Kate Buchanan won Reining for Orange. Senior Olivia Tordoff was named Horsemanship MOP for Team Blue.
Mayes led the charge in Flat with a meet-best 75 for the point, guiding Team Orange to a 3-2 win in the event. Freshmen Charlotte McLaughlin and Lauren McCaulley won their points for Orange, while classmates Anne Douglas Hamiter and Baylee Mckeever captured wins for Team Blue.
The two squads split in Reining with Buchanan's 73 leading the way. Junior Olivia Marino won her Orange point with a 71.5. Blue saw wins from freshman Caroline Buchanan (71) and senior Boo Kammerer (69.5).
After intermission, Team Orange went 4-1 in Fences. Mayes (87) and Rush (84) led the charge, while sophomore Mary-Grace Segars won her point with a 76 and junior Helen Lohr took hers with a 78. Senior Lindsey Klein's 84 gave Team Blue their lone point in the event.
The Blue squad battled back in Horsemanship, going 4-2 overall. Freshman Lauren Hall kicked things off with a 72 for the win and was followed by Olivia Tordoff's meet-best 78. Juniors Jacqueline Frimodt (74.5) and Madison Parduhn (76.5) each won their matches for Blue.
Freshman Caroline Fredenburg had a big score for Orange, winning her point with a 75. Fifth year Hannah Lemel also picked up a point with a 70-68.5 win.
Auburn officially opens the season with a road meet at rival and No. 5 Georgia on October 7. The Tigers and the Bulldogs will square off at 1 p.m. CT in Bishop, Georgia at the UGA Equestrian Complex.
