Gamecocks Take Down No. 1 in Back-to-Back Weekends
BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. – The No. 5 South Carolina Equestrian team (8-4, 3-3) took down No. 1 Georgia (7-3, 3-2) 16-3 on Saturday, sweeping the MOP honors to remain undefeated at home. It marked the first time in program history that the team defeated the No. 1-ranked teams in back-to-back competitions and snapped a seven-meet skid against the Bulldogs. It was the most points the Gamecocks have ever scored against Georgia.
“This was a huge victory for this team”, head coach Carol Gwin said. “They’ve been working very hard this year and I think the results showed today. A huge shoutout to our consistent performers, but also to some new faces in the lineup who are starting to produce points as well!”.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gamecocks started the day in Horsemanship, defeating the Bulldogs 4-1. Alyssa Jipping scored a 75.25 for her ride on Ziggy, edging out Ava Hathaway’s 75. Carly Jenkins picked up the next point, bringing in a 76.5 on Winston. Lillian Laney won her point 75-74.5 on Stanely, and Alexis Potts rounded things out with a 77-76.75 victory. Potts earned her fourth MOP of the season for her ride on Sparky.
South Carolina kept the momentum rolling in Fences, earning another 4-1 win to lead 8-2 at the half. Alyssa Bauer struck first, scoring a 75 for her ride on Tito. Grace Rabb won her point 85-82.5 against Tessa Downey on Dobby. Bella Primavera edged out Madison Nadolenco 82-81.5 on Q, and Natalie Jayne scored her point with an 86.5 on Schnitzel, and won her third MOP honors of the season.
The Gamecocks swept the points in Reining, 4-0, for the first time since 2022 against the Bulldogs. The event started with a tie, with Potts and Kennedy Buchanan each earning a 70 on Chexie. Emilty Patton outscored Shelby Lynch 71.25-71 on Thor, and Olivia Cardi scored her point with a 71 on Nike. Gracie Mae Stingle earned a 70.25 Bingo, earning her point and her first career MOP honors. Opal Fomish completed the sweep with a 71-70 win over Cadence Eger.
The day wrapped up with Flat, where the Gamecocks posted another 4-1 win. Jayne defeated Parker Cliff 83-74 with her ride on Fenway, and Sarah Rabb scored her point with a 77.5 on Tanner. Vanessa McCaughley edged out Maggie Bresch 75-74.5 on Nino, and Kettaneh scored a massive 84.5 on Schnitzel to secure her point as well as her fifth MOP honors of the season.
UP NEXT
The Gamecocks will host Delaware State on Friday, March 6, and NDSU on Saturday, March 7. Fans can follow along with in-meet updates on X and Instagram, @GamecockEQ.
