DOVER (Sep. 21, 2008) --- Led by a clean sweep in the Western competition, the Delaware State equestrian team opened its 2008-09 season with a 14-3 victory over Sacred Heart at DSU's Gambler's Choice Equestrian Center this weekend.

The Hornets' Western team shut out the Pioneers, winning 5-0 in Horsemanship and 3-0 in Reining. Delaware State's Morgan Scuse had the top Horsemanship score, recording a 71. Amanda Hotz (70), Brittni Collins (68), J. Christina Smith (68) and Jennifer Pierson (66.5) also earned points for DSU in the Horsemanship competition.

Scuse also recorded the top score in Reining, posting a 71 to earn a point for the Hornets. Alicia Maynard (69.5) and Pierson (63) were also winners in Reining for DSU.

Delaware State also topped Sacred Heart in the English competition 6-3, winning 3-2 in Flats and 3-1 in Fences. Julianna Aguilar was an easy winner in Flats, earning a score of 85 to top all riders. Caroline Foltz (79) and Kayleigh Karnbach (60) also earned a point for DSU in Flats.

In the Fences competition, Delaware State's Kayla Blair topped all riders with a score of 84. Aguilar and Karnbach also collected points for Hornets in Fences.

The DSU equestrian team will host the University of Delaware in an exhibition on Sep. 28 at Gambler's Choice. The next regular season match is Oct. 3 at home against nationally-ranked Georgia.