The Georgia equestrian team, currently ranked No. 3, defeated Sweet Brian 8-2 on Friday afternoon at the UGA Equestrian Complex.
Six Georgia rides were scored at a 90 or above. Senior Ali Tritschler shined in both Fences and Flat, earning two career-best scores to start the year. She jumped to a high score of 92 in Fences and rode to a 93 in Flat. The Southport, Conn. native also earned Most Outstanding Honors for Fences. Senior Grace Bridges notched the highest Flat score for the Bulldogs since 2005 and earned MOP honors with a stellar 99.
“The building off of our Red and Black Scrimmage, as well as the standard that has been set by the senior class and the entire team, proves this group has something they want to show and do,” Georgia head coach Meghan Boenig said. “They have worked so hard and it shows in every ride. Everyone is coming out here really big, really bold, and willing to risk things right from day one, which puts us in a great place for the year.”
The Bulldogs swept the Vixens, 5-0, to start the day in Fences. Tritschler earned her career-high score with an impressive 92 on top Constantine to best Katie Balding’s 69. Sophomores Jaden Olson and Annalise Reed jumped to scores of 88 and 86, respectively, to earn points for the Bulldogs. Senior Kate Kramer (84) and freshman Rachel McMullen (83) defeated their opposition to secure the shutout in Fences.
Georgia edged Sweet Briar 3-2 in Flat. In their first-ever rides for the Bulldogs, senior Isabelle Heckler and freshman Ceci Bresch rode to astonishing scores of 97. Bridges’ score of 99 earned a point for the Bulldogs, while Tritschler and sophomore Natalie Stoyo contributed scores of 93 and 90, respectively.
This meet will be factored in to the official event records to determine rankings and seedings of each event heading into the national championship, but will not be included in the overall team record for the season.
“What really is good about today’s rides is that it gives them a confidence boost and lets them know what they’re capable of,” Boenig continued. “We’re looking for confidence and consistency in their rides. We will face our challenges coming up but this sets us up in a good spot and we have more to go.”
Georgia’s entire team will be in action next Saturday, October 5 as the South Carolina Gamecocks come to the UGA Equestrian Complex. The meet is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. and admission is free.