No. 4 Auburn equestrian began its 25-26 season with a 16-2 victory over No. 8 Baylor on Saturday at home. Auburn dominated the meet, winning all four events and earning a sweep of the Most Outstanding Performer honors.
“We talked about being a team and riding as a team, and I think every part of the team contributed today. We also were awarded all four Most Outstanding Performers, which is huge. We needed to win at home, we needed to open with a big victory, and they did that.”
In her collegiate debut, freshman Caroline Olsen captured MOP honors in Flat, joining Avery Glynn, Alexia Tordoff, and Sydney Swallom, who also earned top recognition in Auburn’s impressive victory.
The Tigers earned a 7-2 advantage following Reining and Flat events.
Auburn posted a 4-1-0 mark in Flat, led by freshman Caroline Olsen’s 94-91 MOP win. Ariana Marnell secured a 90-84 victory, while Glynn and Charlotte McLaughlin won 86-76 and 79-77, furthering Auburn’s lead.
“Very proud of the performance today,” Auburn head coach Jessica Braswell said. “We won all four events, which is something we always aim for. We had big performances from both experienced riders and some newcomers, so I was really pleased with that.
Riding Barbie, Tordoff set the tone in Reining with a 72.5068 MOP-winning performance. Fumagalli and Hogg added scores of 71.5-70.5 and 70-69.5, respectively, to push Auburn’s total to three points, while Rife and Baylor’s McIlnay ended in a 68.5-68.5 tie.
Auburn didn’t hesitate in the second half of the meet. The Tigers took five points in Horsemanship and four in Fences to seal the victory.
Auburn continued its momentum in Fences, as Glynn narrowly topped Lauren Reid 88-87 and Sadie Berkhout added an 86-81 win. Marnell rode Dan to an 84-83 victory, Olsen followed with a tight 83-82 finish, and Kate Parker tied her opponent with a matching 84.
The Tigers finished out the meet with an impressive showing in the Horsemanship events. Swallom and Tordoff each tallied scores of 77 to secure wins, while Brooke Jolstad edged her opponent 76-75. Hogg and Caroline Fredenburg rounded out the sweep as the Tigers took the event 5-0-0.
Looking forward, Auburn will be hosting Berry on October 17 at 3 p.m. CDT at the Auburn Equestrian Center. Admission is free.
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