Dover, Del. (Nov. 8, 2009) --- Delaware State gave the nation's No. 1 collegiate equestrian team quite a battle before coming up short today. The Hornets came within a whisker of defeating top-ranked Auburn in the Western competition, but the Tigers were too strong in the English contests en route to a 12-8 victory over the Hornets at the Gamblers Choice Equestrian Center.

The highlight of the competition for DSU was the performance of its Western squad. The Hornets and Tigers each won five rides in the Western competition, although Auburn just squeaked by in total points, 682-to-681.

In Western Horsemanship, Delaware State's Morgan Scuse, riding on "Orkie" captured MVP honors after topping all performers with a score of 75. Jennifer Pierson also earned a Horsemanship point for the Hornets with a score of 72.5.

Although Auburn collected the winning point in three of the five Horsemanship rides, DSU outscored the Tigers 354.5-353.5 in the competition.

In Western Reining, Delaware State was awarded the point in three of the five rides. Amanda Hotz, Breann Huyett and Brittni Collins each had winning rides for the Hornets, although Auburn came out on top in total points 328.5-326.5. Riding on "Margarita," Collins tied for high score among all performers with a 69.        

Auburn won seven of the 10 English contests, outscoring the Hornets 713-625.

The Flat competition was the most competitive. The Tigers won three of the five contests on the Flat, and squeaked by in total points 339-335. Kamerra Brown and Ashley Butler earned points for the Hornets on the Flat.

Auburn won four of the five contests in Fences, outscoring the Hornets 374-290. Kayla Blair was Delaware State's lone winner in Fences, riding "Gumby" to a score of 78. Frayser Tuttle recorded 79 aboard "Sunshine", but was edged out by Fences MVP Lindsay Portela of Auburn.  

The Delaware State equestrian team will wrap up the fall portion of its schedule on Nov. 20 against Tennessee-Martin and Kansas State in Martin, Tenn.