April 18, 2008

Waco, Texas- The Auburn equestrian team won the third round of Hunt Seat, defeating top-seed Oklahoma State, 6-2, but fell in the consolation bracket of Western to South Carolina, 6-2. The Hunt Seat team advances to the championship round Saturday to face second-seed Texas A&M, while the individual championships begin on Saturday as well.

"Our Hunt Seat team was incredible," said Auburn head coach Greg Williams. "They have been the most dominant team so far. Our Western team did well, but couldn't take advantage of their opportunities."

Auburn won Hunt Seat Equitation over Fences 4-0 defeating Oklahoma State. Tiger winners included Dottie Grubb over Hannah Beresford 163-141, Ali Loprete over Bailey Mahoney 164-159, Jenny Reinhart over Jaclyn Osterstock 151-150 and Anna Schierholz over Ally Blais 163-150.

Auburn tied Oklahoma State 2-2 in Hunt Seat Equitation on the Flat. Tiger winners included Katie Breedlove over Bailey Mahoney 152-0 (0 refers to a no score because of a penalty) and Ali Loprete over Samantha Collingsworth 156-146. Cowgirl winners included Ally Blais over Rebecca Rifkin 150-148 and Michelle Woolschlager over Chelsea Anheuser 148-132.

South Carolina won Western Horsemanship 4-0. Gamecock winners included Amy Biffle over Kim Tidwell 145.5-142, Katy Biffle over Kylie Miller 147.5-142.5, Allison Bradley over Avery Sams 141.5-138.5 and Katie Grossnickle over Jessica Jones 146.5-146.

Auburn tied South Carolina 2-2 in Western Reining. Tiger winners included Ashton Fairey over Allison Bradley 140.5-135 and Julie Gibbes over Chloe Gray 145-137. Gamecock winners included Rebekah Roof over Paige Monfore 145-132.5 and Kyla Thurlow over Lyndsey Jordan 145.5-144.5.

"Our team needs to stay together," said Williams. "Texas A&M is a tough team that has done very well. Our girls need to keep riding hard and do the things that got them here. If they can do that, then we have a great chance to win."