Despite a furious comeback after trailing at halftime, the No. 4 Auburn equestrian team couldn't overcome an early deficit, and fell to visiting No. 5 Georgia by a score of 10-9 on Saturday, Feb. 14.
Auburn gained only one point in horsemanship, with senior Lucy Igoe defeating Heather Schmidt 70.5-0.
Georgia led 7-3 at halftime, but Auburn was able to mount a spirited effort in the second half, taking reining 3-2 and equation on the flat 3-1.
"We almost came out with a win," said head coach Greg Williams. "Tory Hoft had a killer ride. One more point and that does it, but she came out with a win."
The Tigers (4-4, 1-3 SEC) were able to gain wins in equitation over fences from senior Demi Stiegler and junior Elizabeth Benson, who is now 8-0 in fences on the season, was named MOP after topping Meg O'Mara 87-85.
In reining, junior Allie Dusha was named MOP after defeating Charley Thiel 71-69.5, and senior Demi Stiegler finished the match by knocking off O'Mara 91-88 in flat, earning her second MOP of the season.
"Demi (Stiegler) had a great ride, but it was too late at that point," Williams said. "You can't have it where one group gets in a hole. But great riding by Georgia. They did a fabulous job."
Auburn's next meet will be Feb. 28 against South Carolina.
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