April 17, 2010
| Coach Major |
WACO, Texas – The South Carolina Hunter Seat team swept both events on Saturday as the Gamecocks cruised past Texas A&M by a final score of 8-0 to claim 3rd Place at the 2010 Varsity Equestrian National Championships, hosted by Baylor University at the Heart O’ Texas Fair Coliseum in Waco.
“Winning 8-0 is the way this team deserved to go out this season,” head coach Boo Major said. “I feel like we rode well enough yesterday to be competing in the championships today, and I know our girls were disappointed in last night’s loss, but to rebound in such a big way against a great Texas A&M team says a lot about this team’s character.”
In Equitation On the Flat, South Carolina swept the event 4-0, with victories coming from seniors Carly Babcock, Alex Haskell, Megan Massaro, and freshman Kimberly McCormack.
“Our Flat girls rode outstanding today,” Major said. “All of their scores were very high, and the way we rode today, there isn’t a team out there that could have beaten us this morning. Meg, Carly, and Alex Haskell all had brilliant rides, and Kimberly McCormack was solid as well. From top to bottom, a great effort by our girls today.”
In Equitation Over Fences, the Gamecocks completed the sweep, as Massaro and McCormack teamed up with senior Eleanor Kunsman and freshman Alex Arute to win the event 4-0.
“Our jumping girls looked beautiful today,” Major said. “For Kimmy and Meg to win both of their rides today shows how determined they were to make sure this team went out a winner today. Alex Arute, who absolutely should have won her jumping ride last night, rode beautifully today as well so I’m very proud of her. And for Eleanor to go out a winner as well, I’m just so happy for her too.”
Picking up wins in both Equitation on the Flat and Equitation Over Fences, Massaro finished the Championships winning 5 of her 6 rides.
“Megan had an amazing weekend for herself and for the team here in Waco,” Major said. “All of the girls finished off the season in winning fashion, and coach Alixe Schwartz and I are thrilled for them.”
