Equestrian - SMU vs. NMSU/DSU/Sacred Heart

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

The Mustangs head to the East Coast for a busy weekend with three Hunter Seat meets scheduled. SMU (2-1) is currently only one vote from breaking into the Varsity Equestrian Top 10.

Friday, SMU will face New Mexico State in a meet hosted by Delaware State in Dover. Saturday, the Mustangs will take on host Delaware State. SMU will then travel to Fairfield, Connecticut to visit Sacred Heart on Sunday.

New Mexico State (1-2)

The Aggies are 1-2 so far this season, although a closer look at their results shows they have been extremely competitive in the equitation classes. They beat West Texas A&M in their season opener 15-2, including 12-1 in equitation and the MVP. They then lost to Fresno State 15-5 while losing 8-2 in equitation. The best example of their equitation strength is their meet with Texas A&M this past weekend. A&M won 12-7 overall, but New Mexico State was victorious 7-2 in the English portion including the MVP.

Delaware State (0-2)

The Hornets are off to a slow start, with losses to Texas A&M and Fresno State - although both meets were very close (Texas A&M won 7-6, FSU won 9-6). Delaware State has also shown strength in Hunter Seat - where they actually beat A&M 6-3 with the MVP. They were even 5-5 with Fresno State in equitation.

Sacred Heart (0-0)

Sacred Heart has yet to compete in any NCAA-sanctioned competition this season, although they do face New Mexico State on Thursday. Hopefully the results of that meet will be available before SMU faces these teams this weekend.

SMU Outlook

On the flat, the Mustangs have been led by Renick Townshend, who is 2-1 with an Adjusted VERS of 77.00 and one MVP. Other riders who have claimed points for SMU are Claire Wenholz (1-2) and Molly Osier (1-1).

Over fences, the SMU rider with the best record is Lauren Hogan who is still undefeated (3-0, Adj. VERS 77.33). Emma Roberts has also been impressive so far this season, with a 2-0 record, 1 MVP, and an Adj. VERS of 89.00. All-American Jordyn Pettersen has also made her contribution this year, with a 2-1 record and an Adj. VERS of 84.00, although she is slightly off her torrid pace of last season. Pettersen is too good a rider not to be able to pick things up as the season goes along though.

SMU has really shown improvement both on the flat and over fences so far this year - hopefully that trend will continue with a successful road trip.

Go Ponies!

[SMU Pony Mom]

May try to get down to Del State tomorrow. Only just under an hour away - surprising to have any SMU team here in Delaware.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

SMU defeated New Mexico State Friday 6-4 to move to 3-1 on the season.

http://smumustangs.cstv.com/sports/w-equest/recaps/102111aaa.html

SMU was an impressive 4-1 on the flat, with points from Greer Hindle (MVP), Courtney Line, Renick Townsend, and Julianna Fischer.

NMSU took fences 3-2. SMU points were secured by Julianna Fischer and Emma Roberts.

Delaware State (today's opponent) was defeated 9-3 in the equitation classes by NMSU on Friday as well, so SMU should have a good shot at another win today!

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

SMU moves to 4-1 with a nice 6-4 win over Delaware State today!

http://smumustangs.cstv.com/sports/w-equest/recaps/102211aab.html

SMU was 4-1 over fences, with points earned by Emma Roberts (MVP), All-American Jordyn Pettersen, Julianna Fischer, and Lauren Hogan.

Delaware State won the flat portion of the competition 3-2. SMU points were won by Julianna Fischer and Courtney Line.

Nice win for SMU and what a fantastic start to the season.

The busy weekend for the Mustangs continues tomorrow at Sacred Heart.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Wow - SMU moves to 5-1 on the season with an 8-0 victory over Sacred Heart today!

http://smumustangs.cstv.com/sports/w-equest/spec-rel/102311aaa.html

Over fences, SMU points were won by Emma Roberts (second straight MVP!), Julianna Fischer, Jordyn Pettersen, and Lauren Hogan.

On the flat, Molly Osier (MVP), Julianna Fischer, Renick Townsend, and Courtney Line.

Nice 3-0 weekend for SMU!

South Carolina, who is ranked No. 3 in the most recent poll, will be in town this Friday for a big meet at BuckBranch Farm.

[Soccer15]

Osier didn't win MVP; MVP isn't always given to the rider with the highest score. Although Sacred Heart did not win a point, they somehow managed to get an MVP on the flat. Odd, I know.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Osier didn't win MVP; MVP isn't always given to the rider with the highest score. Although Sacred Heart did not win a point, they somehow managed to get an MVP on the flat. Odd, I know.

I've always thought the MVP thing is kind of silly - and you are right - sometimes it makes no sense.