South Carolina Tops No. 10 Delaware State
Blythewood, S.C. – In its final full team meet at home, South Carolina took down No. 10 Delaware State in a 12-4 decision. The Gamecocks swept M.O.P. awards in the win.
“I continue to see improvement on the western side and very solid performances in jumping seat. To win all four M.O.P.’s was a great achievement for our team,” said head coach Boo Major. “Their commitment and dedication that team and I look forward to a competitive meet against Lynchburg tomorrow.”
On the flat, South Carolina was quick to put points on the board. Caroline Bald‘s 77, Maya Clarkson‘s 77, Trinity Hammerschmidt‘s 76, Alice Kass‘ 74 and Sophie Mitchell‘s 77 all notched points for South Carolina. The Gamecocks swept the flat 5-0 and Bald earned her third M.O.P. honor this season for her ride.
In horsemanship, the Gamecocks continued to push ahead. The first three points went to South Carolina with a 71.5 from Kendalynne Herlocker, a 72.5 from Cora Wyers and a 74 from Michaela Schrim. Schrim earned her second consecutive M.O.P. in the event. Freshman Tierney Horton notably tied her opponent with a 72, which is her second highest score in the event this season. The Hornets earned one point to get on the board, but South Carolina took horsemanship 3-1.
At the half, South Carolina led Delaware State 8-1.
In fences, the points were closely contested. The only two Gamecocks to earn points were Madeline Schaefer and Hammerscmidt. After the Hornets earned two points, Schaefer earned a 78 on Steve Irwin to give the Gamecocks their first point in the event. Junior Jordan Allen had a high score of 79 but was tied by her opponent. Soon after, Hammerschmidt rode to a 79 to earn her second point of the day. Her top score secured her the M.O.P. honor in fences for the first time this season.
With the Gamecocks up 10-3, reining was smooth sailing. Both senior Sloane Vogt and freshman Chloe VanStone tied their opponents with a 71.5 and a 70.5, respectively, and only three points were up for grabs. The Hornets took one point, but Emilia Reutimann‘s 70.5 and Chloe Stephenson‘s 70 added two points to the Gamecocks’ tally. Reutimann was awarded her first M.O.P. of the season as she helped South Carolina to the 12-4 win.
South Carolina will compete for the final time at home this season on Saturday at 11 a.m. against Lynchburg. The competition will be jumping seat only.
