April 1, 2006

Brookings, S.D. – South Carolina equestrian capped its final dual victory of the season as the Western team recorded an outstanding performance to propel USC to a 3.5 win. The Gamecocks defeated the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 1146.5-1143 to improve to 6-3 on the year. USC was down 34 points going into the Western competition and the team defeated SDSU 581-544 to put the Garnet and Black in the lead. The English team lost 599-565.

“Our western team was phenomenal and pulled us ahead,” said head coach Boo Duncan. “I was very disappointed in how the hunt team lost, especially with the mental lapses, but I was very proud of how the western team performed. That was what pulled us through.”

In the hunt seat competition, USC had two zero scores after critical mistakes in the flat by Sarah Stephens and Ciara Stuart. Cate Sands was the lone winner for the Gamecocks in the flat as she defeated recorded a score of 89. On the flat, USC fell 382-313.

Over fences, USC controlled the event and defeated the Jackrabbits 252-217. Lindsay Pace was the high scorer with 88. Carolina won horsemanship 368-339 and reining 213.5-205. Katie Grossnickle was the high scorer in horsemanship with 75, while Allison Bradley was the high scorer in reining with 74.

Next up for the Gamecocks is the Southern Championships, April 7-8 in Athens, Ga.