University of Georgia
Baylor
No. 3 Georgia Equestrian Defeats No. 4 Baylor
February 25, 2012 | Equestrian
Feb. 25, 2012
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BISHOP, Ga. - The third-ranked University of Georgia equestrian team cruised to a 13-6 win over No. 4 Baylor on Saturday afternoon in Bishop, Ga. With the win, the Bulldogs move to 9-1 on the season and 7-1 against ranked opponents
"It was a successful morning, but still a very trying morning with the weather effecting the footing of some of the horses and riders," head coach Meghan Boenig said. "Michelle [Morris] had the most difficulty with the outside elements, but rebounded to win the MVP in equitation over fences. Megan [Hawkins] continues to ride well for us, as evidenced by her multiple MVP rides for us this season, including her win today. McKenzie's [Lantz] MVP, along with Hawkins' win, shows that we have some great strength in our western events. Overall we had strong rides today, but we still have some small things that we need to continue to work on."
Michelle Morris, Megan Hawkins and McKenzie Lantz each earned MVP rides for Georgia. Morris used an 82-76 win over Lisa Goldman to win the MVP in equitation over fences. Hawkins earned the MVP in horsemanship with a 74.5-74 win over Bryn Lindley. Lantz wrapped up Georgia's MVP awards with a 70-69 win over Olivia Rogers in reining.
Georgia's hunt seat team outscored Baylor 6-4. Georgia handed the Bears a 4-1 loss in equitation over fences, before Baylor defeated the Bulldogs 3-2 in equitation on the flat.
Olivia Dorey picked up the first point of equitation over fences for Georgia, riding to an 85-72 win over Sue Carol Thompson. Carly Anthony picked up Georgia's third point with her 80-75 defeat of Taylor Brown. Kylee Arbuckle followed with an 81-72 win over Ashley McGehee. Morris wrapped up equitation over fences with her MVP-winning ride to seal the event for Georgia.
Kylee Arbuckle and Carly Anthony were scored winning rides for Georgia in equitation on the flat. Arbuckle's score of 75 was enough to beat Melanie Appel's 68. Anthony scored the finale hunt seat point for Georgia, winning the head-to-head competition with Lisa Goldman, 72-65.
Georgia's western team defeated Baylor 7-2, with the horsemanship team winning 3-2 and the reining squad picking up a 4-1 win.
"I am very proud of our Bulldogs today," assistant coach Mary Meneely said. "Baylor is a really good team and we were really excited to host them today. We have some heavy competition ahead and I am looking forward to continuing to work on some of the smaller things that we need to correct. We look forward to continuing our success tomorrow and for the rest of the season."
Paige Stawicki and Maria Salazar won the opening points in horsemanship to put the Bulldogs on top 2-0. Baylor's Meghan Murphy made it a 2-1 event, before Megan Hawkins' MVP score of 74.5 sealed Georgia's 3-2 win.
The reiners rattled off four-straight points to take an 4-0 lead over the Bears. Lauren Tieche got things started, edging Ellie Powell 70-69.5. Lantz followed with her MVP-winning score of 70. Kelly Truesdell defeated Amber Mooney 69-68.5 before Becca Haaland handed Barbara Aitken a 69.5-67.5.
Georgia returns to action tomorrow afternoon when it takes on Fresno State.
