BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas – In her first season at the helm of the Auburn equestrian team, head coach Jessica Braswell led the Tigers to the program's sixth-straight Southeastern Conference title as the team topped No. 1 seed and host Texas A&M, 13-6, at the Hildebrand Equine Complex in College Station Texas.
"This is amazing and I'm so, so proud of this team," Braswell said. "They were outstanding all weekend and their fight this season made them ready for one of the biggest moments. Coaches Emma Kurtz and Taylor Searles have worked so hard to get this team prepared and this team showed up.
"Getting to do this for coach Greg Williams in his first year as head coach emeritus was so special. It was an amazing day and we are looking forward to what else this season brings."
The championship win is the team's seventh in the Southeastern Conference (2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) since the league began sponsoring the sport in 2013.
"It's been such an honor to be a part of this team and be a part of a group girls that are amazing, talented riders," senior Isabella Tesmer said. "I'm so proud of them and we put it together today. I'm excited for what's next."
"It's such a special feeling," fifth year Ava Stearns said. "This one might be the most special because it hasn't been the easiest year. I've known this whole time that this team is special, and the talent is there. To watch it all come together at the right time means more than anything to me."
Auburn took home three Most Outstanding Performer honors on the day. Sophomores Alexia Tordoff and Caroline Fredenburg were awarded in Reining and Horsemanship, respectively. Junior Mary-Grace Segars was honored for her win in Flat.
In addition, Fredenburg was placed on the SEC All-Championship for her efforts in Horsemanship.
The Auburn Jumping Seat team went 8-2 on the day, while the Western squad finished 5-4-1.
The Horsemanship crew dominated the weekend, going 8-1-1 over the two days with a sweep on Friday. Flat picked up a five-point sweep today vs. the Aggies.
"These guys have been grinding all year long and to get it together this weekend was huge," Braswell said. "This team is so capable, and it was so special to see that hard work come to fruition."
Auburn opened the day with a 7-3 lead following Flat and Reining.
The Tigers earned the sweep in Flat to push ahead, picking up all five points in the event. Freshman Avery Glynn led off with an 93-87 win before Stearns bested her opponent with a 92.33. Segars followed with a 94.67-89.67 win, while senior Ellie Ferrigno took her point with a 93.33. Junior Sophee Steckbeck completed the sweep with an 89.67-87.37 win.
"We knew we were going to have to come out of the gate swinging," Stearns said. "We talked a lot about how we wanted to start this meet and I'm so proud of those girls. I'm especially proud of Avery (Glynn) who had to go into the ring first. I could not be happier with the way we performed."
The Reining corps secured two points in the event to push Auburn to a 7-3 lead at the break. Tordoff picked up her point with a 73.33-72.5 edge over Mattie Gustin, while Tesmer bested her opponent with a 72.
Horsemanship finished with a 3-1-1 mark vs. the Aggies to close out the second half for Western. Fredenburg scored a 75.83 on her MOP ride to win her point, while Tordoff tied Hanna Olaussen, 75.33-all. The Aggies took the third point before senior Madison Parduhn bested Ellie Gerbrandt, 75.33-74.67. Freshman Sydney Swallom closed out her perfect weekend with a 74.17-71 win.
The Fences crew concluded the day with a 3-2 record. The Aggies took the first two matches before Glynn scored a 92.67 to win her point. Ferrigno earned a 91.33 to come out on top and in fitting fashion, Stearns sealed her final SEC championship with an 83.33-70.67 victory.
The Tigers look to close out the season with another championship as the team will head to Ocala, Florida for the 2024 NCEA Championship. The three-day meet will be held April 18-20 at the World Equestrian Center and Auburn will once again be the host team.
#3 AUBURN 13, #1 TEXAS A&M 6
SEC CHAMPIONSHIP
FENCES
Ava Stearns (AU) def. Brook Brombach (TAMU), 83.33-70.67
Ali Treuting (TAMU) def. Mary-Grace Segars (AU), 94.67-91.67
Devon H. Thomas (TAMU) def. Sophee Steckbeck (AU), 94-79
Avery Glynn (AU) def. Alexa Leong (TAMU), 92.67-89.67
Ellie Ferrigno (AU) def. Kate Egan (TAMU), 91.33-89.67
FLAT
Avery Glynn (AU) def. Devon H. Thomas (TAMU), 93-87
Ava Stearns (AU) def. Maggie Nealon (TAMU), 92.33-0
Mary-Grace Segars (AU) def. Devan M. Thomas (TAMU), 94.67-89.67
Ellie Ferrigno (AU) def. Brooke Brombach (TAMU), 93.33-91
Sophee Steckbeck (AU) def. Rylee Shufelt (TAMU), 89.67-87.37
HORSEMANSHIP
Caroline Fredenburg (AU) def. Millie Landon (TAMU), 75.83-75.33
Alexia Tordoff (AU) tied Hanna Olaussen (TAMU), 75.33-7533
Cori Cansdale (TAMU) def. Alexis Potts (AU), 75.67-71
Madison Parduhn (AU) def. Ellie Gerbrandt (TAMU), 75.33-74.67
Sydney Swallom (AU) def. Ella Petak (TAMU), 74.17-71
REINING
Lauren Hanson (TAMU) def. Olivia Marino (AU), 70.67-71.17
Alexia Tordoff (AU) def. Mattie Gustin (TAMU), 73.33-72.5
Emmy Lu Marsh (TAMU) def. Caroline Buchanan (AU), 71.17-71
Isabella Tesmer (AU) def. Gracie Casebolt (TAMU), 72-71.17
Keesa Luers (TAMU) def. Kate Buchanan (AU), 72.17-71