Gamecocks Fall to Top-Ranked Georgia
Feb. 17, 2018
MEET #8 — Georgia 12, Carolina 7
BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. – Eighth-ranked South Carolina fell to No. 1 Georgia, 12-7, Saturday afternoon at One Wood Farm. Lizzie van der Walde (equitation over fences) and Paisley Roberts (reining) each earned MOP honors for Carolina in the loss.
The Gamecocks fell to 2-6 (0-5 SEC) with the loss. Georgia bumped their record to 8-1 (4-1 SEC).
The day started with Georgia winning four of the five points in reining. Roberts grabbed the lone Gamecock point, providing an MOP effort with a 73-71 victory on Paddy over Jordan Carpenter.
Two Gamecocks took points in equitation over fences. Riding Kenny, van der Walde earned an MOP win over Emma Mandarino. Chloe Schmidt added an 82-76 victory over Sydney Hutchins on Batman. Midway through the competition, the score was 6-3.
Carolina won the first two horsemanship points, though Georgia took the last three. The Gamecock wins came from Madison Thiel, a 75.5-75 victor over Madison Anger on Amos, and Megan Overberg, who rode Skeeto to a 74.5-74 point over Sammie Johnson. After three events, Georgia held a 9-5 lead.
Two Gamecocks picked up points in equitation on the flat. Madison Sellman took down Ali Tritscher with a 74-67 victory on Toby, and van der Walde collected a 74-70 win on Cody over Madison Newman.
NOTABLE
• Roberts collected MOP honors for the second consecutive meet and the fourth time in her career.
FROM THE COACH
“We made a few mistakes here and there today, but frankly, we got out-ridden by Georgia, and for today, that’s okay. I was really pleased with our effort. Can we ride better? Absolutely, but did we ride better today? For the most part, yes. There were some disappointing rides and some disappointed girls on the team, but as a whole, we do still have some homework; we do still have to work hard, but I was pleased with the improvement that I saw today.”– Head Coach Boo Major
UP NEXT FOR THE GAMECOCKS
The Gamecocks stay in the SEC next Saturday as they hit the road to face Auburn. First ride against the Tigers is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT.
