Feb. 21, 2015
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – No. 2 South Carolina saw its seven-meet winning streak come to an end on Saturday, as sixth-ranked Texas A&M beat the Gamecocks, 11-8. Carolina falls to 7-3 overall and 3-2 in SEC play, while the Aggies improve to 6-3 overall and 2-2 in SEC action.
“We’re obviously disappointed in the loss but we have to tip our caps to Texas A&M because they rode very well today,” South Carolina head coach Boo Major said. “We knew what we were up against, and while we had some strong rides this afternoon, we didn’t do enough to win a tough road meet. We’ll get back to work on Monday and start getting ready for another tough conference opponent in Auburn. It’ll be senior day so I know our seniors will be fired up and ready to go.”
The Gamecocks led early after winning three-of-five points in equitation over fences. Texas A&M won the first point of the meet on a disqualification, but the Gamecocks won the next three points to take a 3-1 lead. Senior Katherine Schmidt posted an event-high score 84 to to knock off A&M rider Hannah Williams by three points. Junior Samantha Smith followed with a 84-82 victory over Marlena Parker, and senior hunt seat captain Amber Henter edged Haley Webster, 84-80.
Carolina’s horsemanship team extended the Gamecocks’ lead to 6-4 after winning three-of-five points over the Aggies. Sophomore Bailey Mierzejewski, junior Kelsey Urban, and senior Sam Chiodo all won their points for South Carolina. Chiodo earned MVP honors after posting an event-high score 77.5 to defeat Carolyn Day by 6.5 points.
The Gamecocks and Aggies rode to a 2-2 tie in equitation on the flat. Smith and Henter both won their points to complete their 2-for-2 days, and Henter was named MVP after posting a 90-84 win over Hannah Williams.
Up 8-6, Texas A&M made its comeback in reining, winning all five points to beat Carolina for the second straight time in College Station.
South Carolina continues SEC action next Saturday, when the Gamecocks host Auburn at 10 a.m. in Blythewood. Carolina will hold its senior day ceremony before the start of the meet, and Saturday also marks the team’s annual Equifest Kids Day meet.
Texas A&M Play-by-Play
SC-TAMU
0-1 : Alex Desiderio defeats Sydney Smith, 78.5-0, on Johnny.
1-1 : Katherine Schmidt defeats Hannah Williams, 87-81, on Romeo.
2-1 : Samantha Smith defeats Marlena Parker, 84-82, on Vivaldi.
3-1 : Amber Henter defeats Haley Webster, 84-80, Callisto.
3-2 : Leah Chenelle defeats Samantha Kraus, 86-79, on Pepper.
4-2 : Bailey Mierzejewski defeats Molli Jacobs, 75.5-75, on Murphy.
4-3 : Avery Ellis defeats Abigail Pait, 76-72.5, on Bones.
4-4 : Kaci Fisher defeats Courtney Allen, 71.6-66.5, on Abby.
5-4 : Kelsey Urban defeats Logan Pluhar, 77-73, on Ben.
6-4 : Sam Chiodo defeats Carolyn Day, 77.5-71, on Maggie.
6-5 : Marlena Parker defeats Adele Norton, 89-88, on Callisto.
6-5 : Katherine Schmidt and Haley Buchmiller tie, 91-91, on Vivaldi.
6-6 : Anna Rea defeats Alexa Anthony, 90-87, on Gideon.
7-6 : Samantha Smith defeats Audrey Gallagher, 87-85, on Pepper.
8-6 : Amber Henter defeats Hannah Williams, 90-84, on Carlton.
8-7 : Jaci Marley defeats Sarah Bouchard, 75.5-70.5, on Colonel.
8-8 : Sarah Grider defeats Bailey Walters, 71-65.5, on Buddy.
8-9 : Hannah Jechow defeats Paisley Roberts, 73.5-70, on Hobo.
8-10 : Laura Sumrall defeats Cody McMillion, 70.5-64, on Sailor.
8-11 : Logan Pluhar defeats Layla Choate, 71-66.5, on Lark.
Final score – Texas A&M defeats South Carolina, 11-8.
