Feb. 10, 2007

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – South Carolina equestrian improved to 6-1 as they defeated the New Mexico State Aggies 11-8 Saturday. The Western team (2-5) earned its second win of the season with a thrilling 5-4 victory, while the Hunt Seat team (7-0) remained undefeated with a 6-4 win.

The Western events went down to the wire as the two teams tied in horsemanship, 2-2. USC recorded wins from Rachel Sternoff and Katie Grossnickle. In reining, USC earned the 3-2 victory as the Garnet and Black had wins from Rebekah Roof, Lindsay Williams and Sternoff. Williams registered a score of 64.5 to lead the Gamecocks as she defeated Kelli Younker, who was disqualified.

NMSU edged out the Gamecocks in the over fences competition and won 3-2, but the Gamecocks dominated equitation on the flat as they won 4-1. USC earned wins from Sarah Stephens and Megan Massaro in Over Fences. Stephens was the high scorer in the event as she defeated Kristin Engle 86-76. In equitation on the flat, the Gamecocks registered wins from Sarah Lowe, Jessica Boll, Carly Johns and Kristin Terebesi. Terebesi was the high scorer of the hunt seat events as she defeated Kristin Engle 90-39.

The Gamecocks will take next weekend off and return to action Feb. 24 when they travel to Auburn. The Gamecocks final home competition of the season is set for March 3 when they host Georgia at Blythewood Farms.