South Carolina Falls to UC Davis
DAVIS, Calif. – No. 9 South Carolina dropped a tough 11-6 decision to UC Davis on Thursday. Senior Caroline Bald earned her first M.O.P. honor of the season in the loss.
The Gamecocks were closely contested in the equitation over fences. UC Davis took the first two points, but junior Jordan Allen‘s score of 80 on Calida brought in the first point for the Gamecocks. Alexa Aureliano scored an 80 on Ronan and secured the second point, while senior Mackenzie Suffy scored a 78 on BamBam and earned the third point to allow the Gamecocks to take fences 3-2.
In horsemanship, Alexa Thorpe brought in the highest score for South Carolina with a 74 on Flash. It was not enough to outlast the Aggies, who took horsemanship 4-0. A fifth point was not awarded because Kiersten Beckner scored a 71 on Halston and tied her opponent from UC Davis.
At halftime, the Aggies led the Gamecocks 6-3. It did not take long for South Carolina to close in on UC Davis by taking the first two points on the flat. Suffy continued to have a standout performance, earning a 79.5 on Roo. Alice Kass originally scored a 74 on Cameron to win the point, but after a re-ride, earned a 68.5 and the point was awarded to Tasia Anstead of UC Davis.
Earning the final point on the flat, senior Caroline Bald secured the highest score on the day on the flat with an 85.5 on Cappo. Bald’s score came in just over her 2020-21 personal best on the flat, which was an 85. Overall, the Aggies took the flat 3-2.
In reining, both Emma Lane and Sloane Vogt tied their opponents with a 68.5 and a 70.5, respectively. Sophomore Emilia Reutimann earned the lone point for the Gamecocks in the event with a 72 on Cruiser. It was not enough to take the lead, and UC Davis took reining 2-1.
South Carolina will continue competing on the west coast with a tri-meet against Fresno State and TCU over the weekend. The Gamecocks will take on the Bulldogs on Friday at 1 p.m. and will compete against TCU in horsemanship and on the flat Friday evening. South Carolina will wrap up its meet against TCU Saturday morning with reining and fences.
