BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. – The No. 4 Auburn equestrian team fell short on the road, falling to No. 5 South Carolina at One Wood Farm Saturday afternoon, 11-9.
"Congrats to South Carolina on a solid meet," head coach Jessica Braswell said. "They handled their horses better than we did today. There were some big rides we'll continue to build on, but we've got to improve our overall consistency as we prepare to go to Georgia next weekend."
Auburn (5-3, 1-2 SEC) came away with two Most Outstanding Performer honors on the day. Senior Ellie Ferrigno picked up her third MOP in Fences on the year, while sophomore Alexia Tordoff earned her third MOP in Horsemanship this season.
The Tigers jumped out to an early 6-4 lead after Horsemanship and Flat to start the season.
Horsemanship went 4-1 in the event to lead Auburn on the day. Senior Madison Parduhn led off with a 72.5-71.5 victory before sophomore Caroline Fredenburg's 71 bested her opponent's 68.5. Tordoff's beautiful ride gave her a 75-70 win and freshman Alexis Potts secured a 69-65 victory in her home state.
Auburn had two points from the Flat corps, coming from upperclassmen. Ferrigno edged her opponent, 76-75, while fifth year Ava Stearns bested Ellie Beard, 78-75.
The Tigers earned three points in the second half, all from Fences. Junior Sophee Steckbeck improved to 8-0-0 on the year in the event, winning 84-74. Ferrigno's MOP ride earned her an 88 for the win and Stearns downed her opponent, 87-80.
The Gamecocks swept the Tigers in Reining.
Auburn returns to competition next Saturday, traveling to rival and nationally-ranked Georgia on February 10. The Tigers and the Bulldogs will face off at 1 p.m. CT in Bishop, Georgia.
#5 SOUTH CAROLINA 11, #4 AUBURN 9
FENCES
Sophee Steckbeck (AU) def. Jordan Allen (SC), 84-74
Ellie Ferrigno (AU)* def. Natalie Jayne (SC), 88-86
Alexa Aureliano (SC) def. Avery Glynn (AU), 85-83
Ava Stearns (AU) def. Grace Rabb (SC), 87-80
Bella Primavera (SC) def. Mary-Grace Segars (AU), 82-81
FLAT
Ellie Ferrigno (AU) def. Natalie Jayne (SC), 76-75
Ava Stearns (AU) def. Ellie Beard (SC), 78-75
Sarah Rabb (SC) def. Avery Glynn (AU), 80-71
Sophie Mitchell (SC) def. Mary-Grace Segars (AU), 81-80
Mary Hunter Mitchell (SC)* def. Alex Ryden (AU), 83-78
HORSEMANSHIP
Madison Parduhn (AU) def. Jenna Berghorst (SC), 72.5-71.5
Caroline Fredenburg (AU) def. Carly Jenkins (SC), 71-68.5
Alexia Tordoff (AU) def. Tierney Horton (SC), 75-70
Alexis Potts (AU) def. Kiersten Beckner (SC), 69-65
Jordyn Humbert (SC) def. Sydney Swallom (AU), 72-66.5
REINING
Emma Lane (SC)* def. Kate Buchanan (AU), 70.5-67.5
Mattie McNeill (SC) def. Olivia Marino (AU), 70.5-69.5
Emilia Reutimann (SC) def. Caroline Buchanan (AU), 70-68
Chloe Stephenson (SC) def. Alexia Tordoff (AU), 70.5-62.5
Chloe VanStone (SC) def. Isabella Tesmer (AU), 69.5-67.5
