Sept. 29, 2011

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COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina equestrian team returns to action on Friday, as the Gamecocks host Texas Christian University at One Wood Farm in Blythewood. Friday’s competition will begin at 2 p.m., and admission is free to all Gamecock equestrian events.

“TCU will be bringing a talented group of riders this weekend,” South Carolina head coach Boo Major said. “We’re going to mix up our lineup a little for Friday’s show, but we’ve had a good week of practice and I know the girls are looking to build from last week.”

Series History
• South Carolina and TCU last faced each other on Feb. 26, 2011 at the Best of the West Tournament in Fresno, CA. The Gamecocks were ranked No. 6 at the time, and defeated the fifth-ranked Horned Frogs, 9-3. South Carolina swept all four MVP’s as Johnna Letchworth (Horsemanship), Chloe Gray (Reining), Kelsey Hart (Equitation on the Flat), and Kimberly McCormack (Equitation Over Fences) steered the Gamecocks over the Horned Frogs.
• Last time in Blythewood: The Gamecocks and Horned frogs last met at One Wood Farm on Sept. 20, 2009 to open the 2009-2010 season. TCU won the competition, 10-9, while also winning three of the four MVP’s.

TCU Notes
• The Horned Frogs enter Friday’s competition with an 0-1 record after losing 6-4 to SMU in their season opener.
• Western debut – Since SMU does not have a Western team, Friday’s competition will serve as the season opener for the TCU Western squad.
• TCU’s Equitation on the Flat squad outscored SMU, 3-2. In Equitation Over Fences, SMU got revenge, outscoring the Horned Frogs, 4-1.
• The Gamecocks will see a familiar face on Saturday, as former Georgia hunt seat coach Logan Fiorentino has taken over as head coach of TCU’s hunt seat squad.

South Carolina Notes
• The Gamecocks are 1-0 on the season. South Carolina defeated Fresno State, 16-3, last Friday in the season opener.
• Dating back to the 2001-2002 season opener, the Gamecocks are 10-1 in season opening competitions. The only loss came to TCU on Sept. 20, 2009.
• South Carolina’s 16-points in last Friday’s win marked the first time the Gamecocks have scored at least 16 points since Nov. 6, 2009 against Tennessee-Martin. Prior to that, Carolina last recorded 16-points on Mar. 28, 2009 against Delaware State.
• The Gamecocks 16-points against the Bulldogs marks a series-high. Previously, South Carolina’s highest point total against Fresno State was 10, a feat accomplished twice. Most recently, the Gamecocks picked up a 10-9 win over the Bulldogs on Feb. 28, 2009. Prior to that, Carolina picked up a 10-10 tie-breaking win over Fresno State on Oct. 28, 2006.
• Prior to Friday, South Carolina’s highest point total in a season opener came Sept. 9, 2008 in a 13-4 victory over Kansas State. In both competitions, the Gamecock’ flat riders won their events, 4-1. Also, senior Maggie Fortune, who competed Friday and in the 2008 opener against the Wildcats, scored a 73.5 in both shows. She was named MVP for her Horsemanship win over the Wildcats.
• Equitation on the Flat – South Carolina’s Flat riders took four of five points from Fresno State in last week’s season opener. Kimberly McCormack, Catherine Pasmore, Colvin Hedgepeth, and Katherine Schmidt all won their rides against the Bulldogs. McCormack was named MVP with an event-high score of 85.
• Equitation Over Fences – The jumpers swept Fresno State, 5-0, as McCormack and Schmidt completed their 2-for-2 day in Hunt Seat action. Also picking up wins in Equitation Over Fences were Amber Henter, Paige Dekko, and Alex Arute.
• Horsemanship – The Gamecock Horsemanship squad looked strong in the season opener, outscoring Fresno State 3-1. Johnna Letchworth earned MVP honors for her win, and Carolina also got points from Katie Kopf and Alison Ceresani.
• Reining – The Gamecock Reiners took four of five points from the Bulldogs last week. Layla Choate earned MVP honors in her first collegiate ride. Amanda Pope, Melody Malbin, and Jordan Brown also won their points. Malbin’s win came in her first home competition as a Gamecock.

Live Scoring
Link – http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/w-equest/stats/tcu-093011.html

Directions to One Wood Farm
Take I-77 N. to Exit 27, which is Blythewood Road. Turn left and cross back over I-77 and pass Cobblestone Park. Approximately half-a-mile after Cobblestone turn right for Syrup Mill Road. One Wood Farm is the first driveway down on the left, and it will be marked by a large sign with a Gamecock logo.