AUBURN, Ala. – The No. 2 Auburn equestrian team kicked off the 2023-24 season Saturday at the Auburn University Equestrian Center, downing No. 9 UC Davis, 14-4.
"Our returners really stepped up today," head coach Jessica Braswell said. "The experience puts you at ease knowing that they've been there and done that. We had a lot of freshmen compete as well and they all were great for their first meet. I'm really excited with what we saw today from this team."
The win marked the first for Braswell in her new role as head coach.
"It feels great to get the first win," Braswell said. "A big thank you to all the fans that came out to support us. The crowd is always a huge factor for us so I'm glad to get the first win done and ready to get some more."
Auburn (1-0) swept the Most Outstanding Performer honors. Senior Isabella Tesmer was awarded in Reining, while junior Anna Marie Mayes took the award in Flat. Sophomore Caroline Fredenburg picked up MOP in Horsemanship and freshman Avery Glynn was honored for her performance in Fences.
After taking a 5-3 lead heading into intermission, the second half had the Tigers go 9-1 between Fences and Horsemanship to take the 14-4 win.
The Fences corps picked up their first sweep of the season, downing the Aggies, 5-0. Glynn led things off with her MOP ride, scoring a 90 for the win. Juniors Sophee Steckbeck and Mary-Grace Segars followed with a pair of victories and freshman Alex Ryden earned the first win of her career, 82-74. Senior Ellie Ferrigno capped the sweep with an 86 in her six-point win.
In Horsemanship, Auburn put together a 4-1 victory over UC Davis. Senior Madison Parduhn kicked off the event with a 76-72 win and freshman Alexis Potts followed with a 74.5 to take the point. Sophomore Alexia Tordoff and Fredenburg each earned a 77 to win their match ups.
The Tigers kicked off the meet with a 5-3 lead after Flat and Reining, seeing the Flat corps go 4-1 vs. the Aggies to start the day.
Ferrigno led off with a 90-86 edge over her opponent and was followed by Mayes, who won her point with a career-best 92. Steckbeck earned an 82-80 victory and Glynn capped the event with a 91 to best her opponent's 78.
Tesmer picked up the lone point in Reining for Auburn, scoring a 72.5 on her MOP ride. Sophomore Caroline Buchanan earned a career-best 72.5 on hers, tying her opponent. Tordoff also tied her match up with a 71.5.
Auburn will hit the road and head to Texas, facing off with No. 7 Baylor on October 6. The two teams will face off at 11 a.m. CT in Waco, Texas.
#2 AUBURN 14, #9 UC DAVIS 4
FENCES
Avery Glynn (AU)* def. Jessie Rechs (UCD), 90-78
Sophee Steckbeck (AU) def. Lauren Kolbe (UCD), 86-83
Mary-Grace Segars (AU) def. Emma Jolly (UCD), 86-84
Alex Ryden (AU) def. Carly Sweeney (UCD), 82-74
Ellie Ferrigno (AU) def. Sierra Gundersen (UCD), 86-80
FLAT
Ellie Ferrigno (AU) def. Marin Gilliland (UCD), 90-86
Anna Marie Mayes (AU) def. Maggie Franke (UCD), 92-89
Sophee Steckbeck (AU) def. Aya Clear (UCD), 82-80
Carly Sweeney (UCD) def. Mary-Grace Segars (AU), 84-67
Avery Glynn (A) def. Sierra Gunderson (UCD), 91-78
HORSEMANSHIP
Madison Parduhn (AU) def. Jordan Schween (UCD), 76-72
Alexis Potts (AU) def. Maddie Gregory (UCD), 74.5-73
Alexia Tordoff (AU) def. Kendall Lance (UCD), 77-74.5
Natasha Replogle (UCD) def. Brooke Jolstad (AU), 74.5-73
Caroline Fredenbug (AU)* def. Gracie Howell (UCD), 77-73.5
REINING
Nicole Shroyer (UCD) def. Kate Buchanan (AU), 70.5-69
Caroline Buchanan (AU) tied Macey Newkirk (UCD), 72.5-69.5
Isabella Tesmer (AU)* def. Lauren Langbaum (UCD), 72.5-69.5
Alexia Tordoff (AU) tied Amber Nusser (UCD), 71.5-71.5
Kendal Scheiner (UCD) def. Olivia Marino (AU), 71-0
