The No. 2 Auburn equestrian team is looking stronger than ever this year.
In its first two meets of the season, the team defeated UT-Martin, 13-7, and shutout Alabama, 12-0, in a hunt-seat only exhibition Friday, Oct. 2.
Now, Auburn has ridden a hot streak to defeat both reigning national champion South Carolina and top-five foe Oklahoma State to vault up the national rankings.
Coach Greg Williams is entering his twentieth season coaching this team, and he sees another National Championship-type year for his team.
“We’re really good. We need to have ourselves in position for a national championships; that’s in our control,” Williams said.
With the way this season is going so far, this looks like an achievable goal.
The 2015 SEC Fences Rider of the Year, Elizabeth Benson, is off to a strong senior season.
Against Alabama, Benson defeated Clare Ols, 78-67, in Equitation over Fences. Benson also helped Auburn in its win against UT-Martin, outscoring Ali Scholfield, 83-72, and earning Most Outstanding Player honors.
As far as her goals for the season, Benson said, “I need at least eight more wins to beat out the Auburn flat record. I would also like to remain undefeated at the postseason.”
Benson then was awarded her 21st-career MOP honor during Auburn’s win over Oklahoma State, topping Kendall Pedigo in Equitation on the Flat.
Another key returner is junior Ashley Foster, who beat Reiley Wilson, 79-74, at UT-Martin and defeated Austen Waldron at Alabama, 90-60, earning MOP honors.
“I expect two rings (SECs and Nationals)," Foster said." I just hope to do my best to help the team out. I always strive for All-American."
She also captured MOP honors against Oklahoma State, where Foster defeated Jorden Davis in Equitation over Fences.
Another rider to be on the lookout for is senior Griffin Knight. Knight competes in Western, so she was unable to compete against Alabama.
“(I want to) be the best leader and senior that I can," Knight said of her goals this season. "Individually I would love to just go out on a high note by maintaining a great GPA and a solid record in and out of the pin and being someone that these girls can look up to."
The Tigers are happy with their freshmen so far.
“This is a really good freshman class," Knight said. "As a whole, they are a very strong class ... and a lot of them are going to become well-known names that you are going to get used to hearing. They are all real talented."
Freshman Hailey Iannotti recorded an 85-75 victory and was named MOP against Alabama.
Also, freshman Lauren Diaz scored a 73 to defeat Kenzie Perry’s 72.5 and was named MOP in Horsemanship in the meet against UT-Martin.
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