South Carolina Falls to Georgia in Consolation Final of SECs

BLYTHEWOOD, SC – The South Carolina Equestrian team (5-8, 1-5)  finished fourth in the 2023 SEC Championships, after falling to Georgia (6-8, 2-4) in the consolation round 15-5 on Saturday.

Madeline Schaefer and Haley Turner of the Gamecocks were named to the SEC All-Championship Team for their rides in Fences and Reining. Schaefer went a perfect 2-0-0 in Fences throughout the tournament, earning MOP honors in both meets. Turner went undefeated as well, receiving an MOP nod for her ride against Auburn in the semifinals. This marks the first All-Championship Team selections for both athletes.

Schaefer got the scoring started for South Carolina in Fences, earning a 255 on Cooper to defeat the Bulldogs’ Jordan Toering’s 241. Georgia took the next point, but senior captain Jordan Allen responded back with a point of her own after taking down Emma Reichow on Rico, 245-241. The Bulldogs took the remaining two points to edge out the event 3-2 overall.

Georgia dominated on the Flat, securing four consecutive points. Schaefer continued her hot streak, keeping the Bulldogs from a sweep after defeating Catalina Peralta on Chippy by 10, 243-233.

The Bulldogs earned the first two points in Reining. Turner then earned her point on Shorty with a 207.5 to take down Courtney Blumer’s 202.5. Mary Margaret Coats followed suit, notching a point for the Gamecocks on Duke with her 192 defeating Jax Bound’s 175.5. Georgia took the final point, giving them the 3-2 advantage.

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The Gamecocks will await their fate for Nationals, to be held April 13-15 at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Fla.