Feb. 11, 2011

Updated: 5:05 p.m. – Kimberly McCormack wrapped up competition at the second annual Collegiate Equestrian Challenge late Friday afternoon, falling to her opponent from the University of Miami. McCormack ends the competition with a third place finish in the consolation bracket.

Updated: 4:56 p.m. – Kimberly McCormack has advanced in the consolation bracket, picking up an 87-83 victory over New Mexico State’s Laura Bostwick. Bostwick, also a sophomore, fell in her opening ride against Baylor’s Kendra Vicary.

WELLINGTON, Fla. – Sophomore rider Kimberly McCormack lost in the opening round of the second annual WEF Collegiate Equestrian Challenge this afternoon. She lost 72-60 to Megan Violand, a sophomore rider from South Dakota State University.

McCormack has been battling an illness all week leading up to the competition. McCormack’s opening ride on Friday was going well, until her horse broke as it made its approach to the the last fence. Because of the horse’s break, McCormack received an automatic score of 60.

“We certainly are disappointed that Kimmy didn’t advance. Her illness this week really weakened her from a physical standpoint,” South Carolina head coach Boo Major said. “It’s a shame her horse broke but that’s how collegiate equestrian goes sometimes.”

McCormack will return to Columbia this weekend as the sixth-ranked Gamecocks prepare to compete at No. 2 Auburn on February 19.