The Georgia equestrian team got their second win over the weekend by defeating Delaware State 18-2 on Saturday afternoon at the UGA Equestrian Complex. On Friday, the Bulldogs were victorious over South Carolina. Georgia’s two wins moves them to 6-4 on the season with a 2-2 mark against Southeastern Conference opponents.
Georgia riders earned all four Most Outstanding Performance (MOP) honors with Meg O’Mara (Equitation on the Flat), Maddy Darst (Equitation Over Fences), Graysen Stroud (Horsemanship), and Claudia Spreng (Reining) being recognized for their rides.
Georgia swept Delaware State in Equitation Over Fences. Sydney Hutchins put Georgia on the board with an 84-79 victory over DSU’s Molly Gara. O’Mara rode to an 85-73 win, before Maddy Darst tied her career-high score of 89 to better Hayley Anderson’s 65, earning her second MOP honor in the event this season. Liza Finsness won the next point for the Bulldogs, 83-76. Emma Mandarino completed the sweep with a 69-63 advantage over Caroline Schock.
The Bulldogs gained a comfortable lead with a 4-1 advantage in Reining. In the leadoff position for Georgia, Kyndall Harper outscored Monica Ellis, 67.5-65. Lindsey Cheek followed with a 69-65.5 victory. In her collegiate debut, Annabeth Payne edged her opponent, 66.5-66, to win her first point for the Bulldogs. Claudia Spreng closed out the event with an MOP-earning 68.5-65 defeat of DSU’s Cheyenne Adams.
The Bulldogs swept the Hornets in Equitation on the Flat to complete the Hunt Seat shut out. Darst scored an 82 to better Schock’s 80. O’Mara earned MOP honors and tied her career-high score of 95, which she set yesterday against South Carolina, to defeat Emily Nelson’s 69. Grace Bridges followed suit, defeating her opponent 85-82, before Madison Newman rode to an 88-69 victory over Eva Epstien. Finsness clinched the sweep, defeating her opponent 87-76.
Georgia closed out the victory with a 4-1 advantage in Horsemanship. Madison Anger scored a 71.5 over Emily Fink’s 65. Payton Anderson followed with a 72.5-69.5 victory over her opponent. Bailey Anderson scored a 73 to better Shelbe Jarrett’s 71, before Stroud road to an MOP-earning 73.5-70.5 victory.
Georgia travels to Auburn to face the Tigers on Saturday, Feb. 11. Competition it slated to begin at 1 p.m. CT.
CLICK HERE for the complete results from the Georgia equestrian team’s meet against Deleware State.
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