April 9, 2005

The University of South Carolina placed second overall in the Southern Equestrian Championships this weekend. Defending national champions, the Georgia Bulldogs won the SEC title with a score of 987 points. The Gamecocks followed closely behind with 971.625 points. 2004 SEC champion, Auburn fell to third with 791.5 points.

“We are disappointed to be second but we had some very bright moments, especially in Equitation on the Flat. The reiners did an excellent job as well. It was nice to win two of the divisions of the competition. Unfortunately we suffered a little in Horsemanship,” said Head Coach Boo Duncan.

The USC riders out scored the visiting schools in two out of the four portions of the competition. South Carolina scored the highest in Equitation Over Fences with 277.5 points due in large part to Kristen Terebesi and Kelley Campbell who bested their opponents by 8 points each. Also contributing to the Gamecocks’ success were, reiners, Rachel Sternoff and Laura Pipkin. Sternoff earned 80 points defeating Tricia Fowler of Georgia (71.25) and a disqualified Candace Jones of Auburn. Pipkin was awarded 68.75 compared to Bulldog Morgan Strauss’ 61.25 and Auburn’s Whitney Kimble who was also disqualified.

The South Carolina Gamecocks will prepare for the Varsity Championships held at New Mexico State next weekend. USC will compete against 12 other equestrian teams from around the country in Sante Fe, NM on April 15th and 16th.