DOVER, Del. - Route 1 Rivalry week began with a win for Delaware State University as the equestrian team defeated the University of Delaware, 11-4, in a scrimmage earlier this week at the Gambler's Choice Equestrian Center.  This marks the fifth straight year the Hornets overtook the Blue Hens in equestrian.

The score totals were extremely close, with DSU scoring a 1089 while UD finished with a 1030, but the Hornets recorded 11 points to Delaware's four.

Del State swept three of the four areas of competition in the Equitation, Horsemanship and Reining.

Sophomore Erin Engard (Shamong, N.J.) was named MVP for the Equitation on the Flat/Hunterseat competitions while junior McKenzie Trueba (Williams, Ariz.) was named MVP for the Reining/Western competitions.

Engard posted scores of 64-45 over Lindsey Pologe in the Equitation event and 69-73 over Abby Randa in the Equitation over Fences.  Both events were used with the horse Mick.

Trueba defeated her opponent, 71.5 over 70, in Reining and tied Caroline Lavenduski in Horsemanship.

DSU equestrian kicks off their regular season on Friday, Sept. 23 against Texas A&M.  That weekend continues on Saturday, Sept. 24 with a matchup against Fresno State.