The Auburn equestrian team (3-0) came through on Friday to keep its
undefeated record after a close meet against South Carolina (2-1).
After finishing with a score of 10-10, a calculation to determine the
raw score revealed that Auburn won 1472-1469.
The Gamecocks beat Auburn 3-2 in western horsemanship and equitation on
the flat to start off the meet, but later fell to the Tigers in equitation over the fences and western reining 3-2.
"It takes the points from the entire meet to make a win," head coach
Greg Williams said. "It was really exciting."
While South Carolina led Auburn 6-4 at the half, the Tigers were able to
turn the meet around.
"The second half of the meet was the highlight," said Dottie Grubb,
senior on the hunt seat team.
Auburn's victory was possible with help from junior Maggie McAlary, who
won MVP for equestrian on the flat after defeating South Carolina's
Carolyn Curcio 88-77, and Dottie Grubb, who defeated Alex Arute 84-83 in
equitation over the fences.
In horsemanship, Auburn's Chelsea Zillner won MVP, and Indy Roper
defeated Maggie Fortune 71.5-70.5.
South Carolina put up a fight with MVPS from Annie Laurie McDonald in
reining and Kimberly McCormack in equitation over the fences.
While the Gamecocks proved to be tough competition, the Tigers were able
to keep their undefeated record.
"They are a bunch of great riders, but the thing that is so impressive
is that they are riding as a team," Williams said.
This teamwork is what McAlary believes makes Auburn a strong team.
"We were all behind each other," McAlary said. "I think we just need to
stay focused and keep on the same track as we are now."
Auburn will ride against Delaware State at 3 p.m. on Friday and against
Fresno State at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Auburn University Horse
Center.
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