Dover (Oct. 3, 2008) --- The Delaware State University Equestrian team (1-1) put up a good fight before falling to the nation's No. 1 team Friday at the Gambler's Choice Equestrian Center near Dover.  The University of Georgia (2-1) upended the Hornets 13-3, although the Bulldogs outscored DSU by just 44.5 points in the competition. Georgia won the Hunterseat (English) competition  7-1, and was a 6-2 victor in the Western match.

"I thought we earned a great deal respect from the best team in the country," said Delaware State Head Equestrian Coach Jennifer Ridgely. "There were a number of close battles in English and Western. Several matches were decided by very slim margins, and could have gone either way."

In the English competition, Georgia won 4-0 in Equitation on the Flat, although Delaware State's Julianna Aguilar was selected as MVP.

The Bulldogs outscored the Hornets 3-1 in Equitation over Fences, although the teams were even in total points, 359-359. Kamerra Brown, riding on "Dora",  recorded DSU's lone win in Fences, defeating Georgia's Mary Fulp, 77-72.   

In the Western competition, the Hornets and Bulldogs battled to a 2-2 tie in Horsemanship, although Georgia won the overall points race by just two (345.5-to-343.5).  Brittni Collins and Maile McCroy were winners in Horsemanship, with Collins being named MVP after scoring a team-high 71.  

Georgia topped DSU in Reining 4-0, although the Hornets were outscored by just 7.5 points (273.5-to-266). Delaware State's Alicia Maynard and Morgan Scuse were each edged out by just a-half point, while teammate Amanda Hotz was defeated by one point.   

"Competing against a team like Georgia will only make us stronger, " Ridgely said. "Our program is just three years old, but I'm proud that we are competitive with some of the top teams in the country."