Sept. 21, 2006

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina equestrian will kick off its 10th season as the Gamecocks host the Baylor Bears on Friday, Sept. 22. The event will start at 2 p.m. at OneWood Farm in Blythewood. This will be the first of two fall home events for the Gamecocks.

“We are excited to be hosting one of the first equestrian head-to-head competitions in the country this season,” said head coach Boo Duncan. “Being the first meet of the season, there are a lot of unknowns out there that we will learn the answers to tomorrow. It should be a great competition between us, and Baylor.”

Coach Duncan has some late lineup changes due to a couple of injuries suffered earlier in the week.

“We’ve had a few injuries to key players this week, but should have all but one ready for tomorrow,” said Duncan. “We will be testing the waters with some of our freshmen, as well as getting some of our seasoned veterans in. We have the talent to come out on top if everything falls into place.”

Riding for the Gamecocks in equitation will be seniors Sarah Lowe, Carly Johns, Cate Sands and Kelley Campbell. This will be the first collegiate ride for freshman Carly Babcock. In over fences, junior Kristen Terebesi is expected to ride, despite feeling under the weather earlier in the week. Other veterans include, senior Ellen Hogate and sophomore Lindsay Pace. Newcomers highlighting the hunt seat team this year will be Megan Massaro and Nicole Bourgeois.

On the western side, Allison Bradley and Michelle Grah will head up the horsemanship event, followed by sophomore Katie Grossnickle and freshmen Amy Biffle and Kristina Papendick. Papendick is coming off of winning two world titles at the American Quarter Horse Youth Association Championships.

In reining, senior Rachel Sternoff returns for the Gamecocks, followed by juniors Lindsay Williams, Bradley and Jamie Diamond. Sophomore Rebekah Roof will also be in the lineup.

USC will host two events in the fall season beginning with the Bears. National Champion Auburn comes to town Sat., Sept. 30 at 10:00 a.m.