No. 8 Gamecocks Fall to No. 4 Auburn

Feb. 25, 2017

BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. — The No. 8 South Carolina equestrian team fell in its first home match of the spring, 10-8, to No. 4 Auburn. The Gamecocks are 5-6 overall and 1-5 in league play this season.

The Gamecocks rallied in the final event of the day, reining, to cut Auburn’s lead to 9-8 before dropping the final point of the meet.

QUOTING HEAD COACH Boo Major

“I think we rode, in my opinion, better than the score reflected. I think we were very pleased. We had a few mistakes here and there, but we are consistently seeing improvement in the way our girls are riding. Today the chips didn’t fall where we wanted them to, and that is what’s kind of been our M.O. for the whole year frankly. My biggest fear is not wanting them to get disheartened. Some of them won and had great rides; some of them didn’t and had a good ride. I want to preach to the girls that they road well; just keep doing what you’re doing and keep trying to get better. We will end up being successful sooner rather than later. “

EQUITATION ON THE FLAT RECAP

Auburn jumped out to the lead taking three of the five points in equitation on the flat. Lauren Fabiano kept the Tigers off the board, tying Caitlin Boyle 82-82 on Eddie. Chloe Schmidt snagged the lone point for the Gamecocks, defeating Tory Hoft 87-77 on Mike.

Auburn’s Ashton Alexander earned M.O.P. honors in equitation on the flat. She won her point 87-84 on Cody.

HORSEMANSHIP RECAP

The Gamecocks took two of the five points and kept one off the board, cutting Auburn’s lead to 5-3. Megan Overberg claimed a 74-72.5 win over Lauren Diaz on Amos. Madison Thiel closed out the horsemanship portion of the meet, narrowly defeating Megan Rauh 73.5-72 on Paddy.

Auburn took home M.O.P. in horsemanship. Hannah Stephens won her point 75-68.5, riding Jazz to earn top honors.

EQUITATION OVER FENCES RECAP

Sydney Smith and Madison Sellman put points on the board for the Gamecocks in equitation over fences. Smith posted an 84-78 win over Auburn’s Hayley Iannotti on Eddie. Sellman closed out the event with a 79-75 win over Caitlin Boyle on Tattoo.

Auburn’s Ashley Foster earned the M.O.P. in equitation over fences with a 90-80 victory on Indie.

REINING RECAP

South Carolina cut Auburn’s lead to 10-8 in the final event of the day, claiming three points in reining. Bailey Walters claimed a 71-68 triumph on Blackie, Jordan Scott made her contribution with a 68-67 win on Puffin and Caroline Gute capped off the Gamecocks’ point with a 71.5-71 win on Jack.

Auburn’s Betsy Brown earned M.O.P. honors in reining with her 75-72 on Magnum.

UP NEXT FOR THE GAMECOCKS

Carolina closes the regular season on Saturday, March 4 against SMU before embarking on the SEC Championship (March 24-25 in Auburn, Ala.) and the NCEA National Championship (April 13-15 in Waco, Texas).

The March 4 competition is Senior Day at One Wood Farm as the Gamecocks honor Courtney Allen, Makayla Clegg, Kara Guertin, Bailey Mierzejewski, Ashley Reichert, Lindsey Slack, Sydney Smith, Madeline Valenzuela and Amelia Vernon prior to their final home meet.