No. 5 Gamecocks Upset No. 4 Auburn 11-9
BLYTHEWOOD, SC – South Carolina Equestrian fans witnessed a huge upset on Saturday, with the No. 5 Gamecocks (6-3, 1-3) taking down No. 4 Auburn (5-3, 2-2) 11-9 in the final ride. The win over the Tigers was the program’s first since 2015 (Feb. 28), and the highest-ranked win since defeating No. 3 Georgia at home in the fall of 2022. The loss for Auburn marked a three-meet losing streak – the Tigers’ longest since the 2011-2012 season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
FLAT
Auburn started off the meet on a hot streak, taking the first two points available. The Gamecocks responded, taking the remaining three points to come out on top in the event. Freshman Sarah Rabb took her point 80-71 on Joe against Avery Glynn, and junior Sophie Mitchell followed suit by defeating Mary-Grace Segars in a tight battle 81-80 on Barnaby. Mary Hunter Millet rounded out scoring on Tanner, taking her point 83-78 over Alex Ryden. For her ride, Millet earned her first MOP of the season.
HORSEMANSHIP
Auburn emerged victorious 4-1 in the event, with newcomer Jordyn Humbert keeping the Tigers from a sweep. Humbert earned a 72 on Paddy to take down Sydney Swallom 66.5 to finish out the first half of the meet.
FENCES
Sophee Steckbeck and Ellie Ferrigno of Auburn took the first two points in the event, but Alexa Aureliano stopped their momentum with an 85-83 win on Dento over Avery Glynn. Bella Primavera then earned her second-ever career point on Quentin, coming out on top in a close battle 82-81.
REINING
After Auburn had a 9-6 advantage heading into the final events, the Carolina Reining squad took things into their own hands sweeping the Tigers 5-0 to take the meet. Senior Emma Lane started things off with a 70.5-67.5 win on Nike over Kate Buchanan, and Mattie McNeill took her point 70.5-69.5 on Kinzie against Olivia Marino. For her ride, Lane earned her third MOP of the season. Emilia Reutimann continued the hot streak, defeating Caroline Buchanan by two (70-68) to tie things up at nine-apiece. Chloe Stephenson then put the Gamecocks on top, taking down Alexia Tordoff 70.5-62.5 on Stoner. Chloe Vanstone took the winning point for South Carolina, emerging victorious 69.5-67.5 on Chexie against Isabella Tesmer.
South Carolina’s 5-0 win in Reining was the first-ever shutout over the Tigers in the event.
UP NEXT
The Gamecocks will travel to Texas to take on TCU on Feb. 9, followed by Texas A&M on Feb. 10.
