Nov. 5, 2009
| Coach Major |
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The fifth-ranked South Carolina equestrian team will host a pair of upcoming matches this weekend against Tennessee-Martin and Fresno State at One Wood Farm in Blythewood. Friday’s competition against UT-Martin will begin at 1 p.m., and Saturday’s meet against Fresno State will begin at 10 a.m.
“We’re very excited about the upcoming weekend,” head coach Boo Major said. “The girls have practiced very hard over the past two weeks, so hopefully that translates to us having some good rides this weekend.”
Friday – vs. Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks, 1 p.m.
The Gamecocks will make some changes to its lineups this weekend as seven freshmen will make their collegiate debuts.
In Equitation on the Flat, freshmen Tilden Brighton and Logan Holler will make their debuts for the Gamecocks against the Skyhawks. Brighton and Holler will join senior Eleanor Kunsman, senior Nicole Bourgeois, and junior Alex Foster in the Gamecocks lineup.
In Equitation over Fences, seniors Carly Babcock and Megan Massaro headline South Carolina’s lineup that also includes sophomore Paige Dekko, sophomore Colvin Hedgepeth, and freshman Kimberly McCormack.
On the Western Side, freshman Kayla Gamble and Elizabeth Fagan will make their debuts for the Gamecocks in Horsemanship, joining senior Emily Bookwalter, junior Hailey Thornton and sophomore Maggie Fortune.
In Reining, freshman Melissa Mull makes her debut for South Carolina, joining the lineup with junior Chloe Gray, junior Lydia Roof, sophomore Annie McDonald, and freshman Amanda Pope.
Saturday – vs. No. 10 Fresno State Bulldogs, 10 a.m.
In Equitation on the Flat, the Gamecocks will keep Babcock, Massaro, and McCormack in the lineup. Senior Alex Haskell joins the lineup after having Friday off, and freshman Kyla West will make her debut for the Gamecocks against the Bulldogs.
In Equitation Over Fences, Dekko will return to jumping after competing against UT-Martin in Equitation on the Flat. Massaro and McCormack will remain in the lineup for the Gamecocks. Senior Katie Stenberg is back in the lineup after missing the Georgia meet with an injury, and freshman Alex Arute will make her debut for the Gamecocks.
In Horsemanship, Bookwalter, Thornton, and Fortune will remain in the lineup for the Gamecocks, and they will be joined by senior Amy Biffle and sophomore Taylor Singmaster.
In Reining, the Gamecocks will use a nearly identical lineup against the Bulldogs. Gray, Roof, McDonald, and Pope will stay in South Carolina’s lineup, and they will be joined by freshman Audrey Jewell.
EquiFest 2009 – Saturday’s Events
The Gamecocks will host EquiFest 2009 on Saturday at One Wood Farm in Bythewood as South Carolina faces Fresno State. Admission is free and there is no charge to participate in any of the activities.
Saturday’s activities will include:
- Pony rides
- Meet & Greet the Equestrian Team
- 2009-2010 Autographed Posters
- Make Your Own Stick Horse
- Pin the Tail on the Donkey
- Coloring Contest
- Face Tattoos & T-Shirts
Directions to One Wood Farm
Take I-77 North to Exit 27 (Blythewood Road). Turn left and go approximately one mile. Turn right onto Syrup Mill Road. One Wood Farm is 8/10 of a mile down and is the first driveway on the left.
