No. 3 Gamecocks Drop One to No. 2 Texas A&M, 13-6
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – South Carolina freshman Mackenzie Matthews secured the first win of her collegiate career in Carolina’s, 13-6, loss to Texas A&M on Saturday afternoon at the Hildebrand Equine Complex in College Station.
After the meet, the No. 3 Gamecocks move to 5-5 overall and 1-4 in SEC competitions. With the win, the No. 2-ranked Aggies now have an overall record of 8-3 and are 2-3 in SEC meets.
“We did not ride well (Saturday),” head coach Boo Major said. “We started the meet flat and could not recover. Too many mistakes by too many. I know our athletes are as disappointed with the outcome as we are. No time to dwell on it. We have to get back to work for Georgia next weekend. Our freshmen Mackenzie Matthews and Grady Lyman rode well, so that is a real positive for our team.”
Starting things off with Equitation Over Fences, freshman Grady Lyman claimed the only point in the event for Carolina. Lyman scored an event-high 87, topping Grace Boston’s 77 and earning a point Gamecocks on Ranger. Lyman’s high-scoring ride earned her the MOP award for fences.
In Horsemanship, Matthews edged out Sarah Orsak by half a point, 76-75.5, on Bailey, claiming the Gamecocks’ only point in the event.
Competing in Equitation on the Flat, senior Madison Brayman earned a, 75-72, win on Doc against Caroline Boyle. Taking another point for the Gamecocks in flat, Lyman was victorious in her second ride of the day, 83-69, over Caroline Boyle on Tin. Lyman’s score of 83 was the highest of the day in flat. Tying, junior Madison Sellman and Nicole Leonard knotted at 80-80 on Callisto.
Riding for Carolina in Reining, junior Caroline Gute scored the first point with a, 73-70, victory over Kalee McCann on Bullseyed. Following, sophomore McKenzie Duncan won her matchup, 71.5-71, opposite of Marissa Harrell on Gallo.
Next up, the Gamecocks head to Georgia for a 1 p.m., ET meet on Saturday, March 2 in Athens.
Continue to check back with gamecocksonline.com for more updates or follow the team on social media (@GamecockEQ).
