No. 8 SMU Upsets No. 3 Texas A&M In Regular Season Finale

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From SMUMustangs.com:

No. 8 SMU Upsets No. 3 Texas A&M In Regular Season Finale
Nine Different Mustangs Earn Victories; Raposa Earns 10th MOP of the Season

March 19, 2016

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (SMU) –The No. 8 SMU equestrian team wrapped up its regular season with a 10-9 upset over No. 3 Texas A&M Saturday at the Hildebrand Equine Complex on the Texas A&M campus. The Mustangs spoiled the Aggies’ senior day, winning the hunt seat event, 5-4, before tying the western event, 5-5, to secure the victory.

This is the second consecutive season the Mustangs have beaten the Aggies (Oct. 14, 2014 in Dallas) and the first time in program history defeating TAMU on the road. The Mustangs finish the regular season 6-7 overall (4-2 United Equestrian Conference), while the Aggies fall to 9-4 overall (3-3 SEC).

“Obviously we are thrilled to get a road win for our last meet of the regular season, but to come down to Texas A&M and beat them on their own turf was especially gratifying,” SMU head coach Carol Gwin said. “It was really exciting down to the last ride and all of our girls put forth an amazing effort, both on horses and as spectators cheering on their teammates.”

With an 8-6 lead and five points still available, Kelsey Karanges and Hannah McCain each secured horsemanship points to clinch the win for SMU. Karanges and McCain both edged their opponents by half a point, 73.5-73 and 72.5-72, respectively. All five Mustangs recorded a score of 70 or better, Jaclyn White with a 72, Michaela Dinger a 71, and Morgan Redwine with a 70.5.

Earlier in the day, SMU jumped out ahead early with a 3-2 win in equitation on the flat. Seniors Schaefer Raposa and Alex Butterworth led the way for the Mustangs, each tallying 90s to pick up victories. Raposa recorded an MOP-winning performance, 90-87, over Hannah Williams. The Clinton, N.Y., native has now earned 10 MOP honors this season and 17 in her career. Butterworth secured the second point for SMU, cutting down Audrey Gallagher’s 89. The final point was awarded to Sylvia de Toledo, who knocked off the Aggies’ final rider, Alex Desiderio, 80-77. All five SMU on the flat riders posted an 80 or higher with Nora Gray posting an 83, before Alexandra Murphy tallied an 82.

The Mustangs built off their early momentum and took a 6-4 lead after winning the reining event, 3-2. White led the Mustangs with a 70.5-69 win over Ashley Dotson. Madison Steed won by two points, 70-68, before Keagan Snively secured the final point with a 66-65 edge over Avery Ellis.

SMU and Texas A&M rode to a 2-2 tie in equitation over fences. Gray slid by TAMU’s Haley Webster, 89-80, before Butterworth won her second event of the day, with an 85-84 win. de Toledo posted an 86 to match with Marlena Parker. Raposa and Alexa Boggio scored an 83 and 82, respectively.

“We have a quick turnaround before we head to the United Equestrian Conference Championships,” Gwin added. “We will celebrate today and get back on our horses tomorrow to prepare.”

The SMU equestrian team heads to Las Cruces, N.M., March 25-26 for the United Equestrian Conference Championships. The two-day event will feature four teams, Delaware State, host-school New Mexico State, SMU and UT-Martin. For more information on the UEC Championships, you can go to SMUMustangs.com or follow the Mustangs on Twitter at @SMUEquestrian.

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