March 31, 2002

ROME, Ga. — The USC Equestrian Team started post season competition for individual riders at Berry College on Saturday. The Lady Gamecocks had eight riders qualify for regional competition in eleven classes. Junior Sarah Tomasi won both her Open Flat and Fences classes. Junior Kelly Girtman won Intermediate Fences and was fourth in Intermediate Flat. Junior Alexis Pospischil won Novice Flat and senior Jennifer Caban was sixth in Walk/Trot/Canter. Junior Lisa Wilson won the class, sophomore Lauren Brown was fourth, junior Jessica Keels was fifth and sophomore Lisa Boykin was sixth. Boykin, who was the Gamecocks only Western qualifier, won her Intermediate Horsemanship class.

“Individual post season play in Equestrian is always tough because not everyone gets through to the next level” junior Sarah Tomasi said.

In order to go on to Zones, the final leg before the National Championship, individuals must place in the top three. Tomasi, Girtman, Pospischil, Boykin and Wilson will participate in Zones at Midway College in Lexington, Kentucky next weekend.

“Our riders won five of the seven Hunt Seat classes held which proves that our team has many talented and experienced riders” said Tomasi. “We are confident that we will have a repeat performance next weekend at Zones.”