Equestrian | 3/28/2024 5:24:00 PM
DAVIS, California – The Delaware State University equestrian team wrapped up their season at the ECAC Championship dropping to the reining champions UC Davis, 14-6, Tuesday morning.
"We knew this championship wouldn't be easy, riding against last year's ECAC champions on their horses," said Head Coach Jennifer Ridgley.
The Hornets (4-4, 4-4 NCEA) opened the meet 10-0 after Fences and Horsemanship.
The Fences Corps went 5-0, and Victoria Croston fell 83.5-73 to Jessie Rechs.
Horsemanship also went 5-0, Ashley Grasso fell short to Maddie Gregory by only .5 points with a final score of 74.5-74. Claire Andrews dropped in another close score matchup 76.75-75.
Following the break, Flat dropped 8-2. MOP, Olivia Brown (74.5) defeated Maggie Frankie (64). Grace Mangrum picked up the second win for the Hornets, defeating her opponent Lauren Kolbe, 61.5-58.
Reining fought hard but fell 6-4 in the afternoon. Claire Andrews picked up a win and MOP in reining with a 69.75-69 score over Macey Newkirk.
The Hornets added four more wins over the Mustangs but it wasn't enough to come out on top.
"UCD is a strong team in all four events. We are extremely proud of our reining team out riding UCD 4-1 and earning 2 of the 4 MOP's."
"Win or lose, the tenacity, resilience, and sportsmanship our riders display is remarkable. I am so proud of the legacy Delaware State University is creating in the sport of equestrian as the only HBCU in the country competing in the NCEA."
The Hornets earned three All-Tournament Riders.
All-Tournament Reining Team
Claire Andrews - sophomore
Anastasia Brugger - 5th year
All-Tournament Flat Team
Olivia Brown - Junior
Conference championships have two judges in both disciplines, Western and Jumping Seat. Both judges' scores are added together, and an average score is given. Riders compete in a head-to-head format. One rider from each school rides the same horse on the same pattern and receives a score. The rider who has the highest score earns a point for their team.
ECAC Conference Awards
Flat All-Conference
Olivia Brown DSU
Victoria Coston DSU
Fences All-Conference
Olivia Brown DSU
Horsemanship ROY
Claire Andrews DSU
Horsemanship All-Conference
Claire Andrews DSU
Reining All-Conference
Claire Andrews DSU
