DOVER, Del. - The Delaware State University equestrian team opened their spring slate Saturday after more than two months off of competition with their first win of the season in a 12-4 victory over Sacred Heart University at the Gambler's Choice Equestrian Center.
The Hornets finished the day with three of the four MVP titles and won in overall points, 1069.5-913, over the Pioneers.
Del State swept the Equitation on the Flat, 4-0, and were led by junior Alyssa Berfield (Fredericksburg, Va.). Berfield was the only competitor to post a score in the 60s with her MVP ride of 65 on horse Monday to defeat SHU's Devan Beaulieu. Junior Shelby Bonneville (New Windsor, Md.) won her matchup, 56-55, over Alison Buccos, on Wyatt. Sophomore Erin Engard (Shamong, N.J.) and senior Caroline Foltz (Dover, Del.) posted respective scores of 53 and 52 to win their rides.
The two teams tied, 2-2, in the Equitation over Fences to give Delaware State an overall 6-2 victory in the Hunterseat. Berfield (75 points) and Engard (72 points) won their matchups while SHU's Courtney Sevigny took MVP honors with her 78-point ride.
Junior Breann Huyett (Narvon, Pa.) won MVP honors in the Horsemanship event with her 74.5-point ride over Adriana Dattoli on Orkie as the Hornets were victorious, 3-1. Riding Bentley, senior Brittni Collins (Denton, Md.) posted a score of 73 to best Danielle Belson's 67. Sophomore Tayler Scuse (Smyrna, Del.) also won her matchup with a 71-point ride.
With a 67-point ride, Scuse was named the MVP of the Reining event as she defeated Dattoli's 63-point ride. Huyett also won her matchup with a 72.5-point performance on horse Goldfish. Freshman Kali Voshell (Felton, Del.) wrapped up the event for Delaware State, winning 62.5-0 over Danielle Belson.
With the win, the Hornets improve to 1-8 on the year.
Up next for Delaware State, Foltz will represent the Hornets at the Third Annual Collegiate Equitation Challenge (held at the Winter Equestrian Festival) in Wellington, Fla. on February 10.
The next team event for DSU comes on March 16-17 as the Hornets host USC and Ohio State at Gambler's Choice.
---DSU EQUESTRIAN---
