University of Georgia
NCEA Championship Final- Auburn University
Georgia Ends Season in Tight Battle with Top-Ranked Auburn in NCEA National Championship, 8-7
April 20, 2019 | Equestrian
Final Scoresheet
WACO, Texas – Tied with one ride remaining, the No. 6 University of Georgia equestrian team fell to No. 1 Auburn, 8-7 In the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) team title on Saturday morning at the Extraco Events Center.
The Bulldogs defeated No. 2 Texas A&M University and No. 3 Baylor University to advance to the championship final. Georgia closed out the 2018-19 season with an overall 7-9 record.
"What a magical week," Georgia head coach Meghan Boenig said. "We talked a lot about it this morning, this magic is something that is not an outside force but comes from within and that is the heart of this team—the passion and the preparation that came to fruition. It was a really difficult meet for us and to go 8-7—we are feeling it so much more because it was so tangible—so close. Everyone is still sitting here and feeling, that one moment that could have changed the entire tide. Quite frankly, the fact we have done this week like this—we have already won in so many ways and I couldn't be prouder of the heart of this team."
The Auburn Tigers gained an early lead claiming Equitation on the Flat, 3-1. Junior Maddy Darst put the Bulldogs on the board first, after her re-ride scored a 241 besting Caitlin Boyle's 239. The Tigers responded winning the next three points placing Auburn in the lead after the first event.
Georgia tied it at four after the Bulldog Horsemanship squad topped Auburn, 3-1. Freshman Sara Lewis won a close matchup, 223-221.5, against senior Kelsey Jung. Auburn's Taylor Searles entered the arena earning an event high score of 227.5 winning the Tigers their fourth point of the day. Senior Graysen Stroud provided another Bulldog point with a 224.5, countering Lauren Diaz's 216. Senior Maddie Anger sealed it for Georgia after collecting a 222.5, defeating Deanna Green by two points.
The Bulldogs' Horsemanship win matched the Tigers at four headed into the final two events.
Boenig added, "This year we have had a lot of change from what were the normals in the past. Whether that be ranks, win-loss, new coaches coming in, big freshmen class—there were so many things that were new and different. For a long time I think we talked about who we were instead of who we are now and who we want to be. Now, to come to that has been phenomenal because this is Georgia. There is nothing about the past. There is nothing about the future. This group is phenomenal."
Georgia used Reining to break the tie. Blair McFarlin notched the first point for the Tigers scoring a 211.5 over freshman Courtney Blumer's 208. Junior Annabeth Payne rode to a score of 218 to later be matched by Terri June Granger, pushing the point. Junior Jordan Carpenter finished the rotation giving the Bulldogs another point with her victory 214-201.5. After review, Stroud sealed the final point with a 209.5.
The Georgia-Auburn matchup entered Equitation Over Fences at 6-5. Taylor St. Jacques won the first point for Auburn beating senior Emma Mandarino, 266-205. Junior Ali Tritschler tied the Tigers with one point for her 213-120 win against Cailtin Boyle. Sophomore Hayley Mairano fell to McKayla Langmeier to tie it, 7-7. Auburn senior Ashton Alexander made her last ride as a Tiger count, defeating Darst, 255-242, crowing Auburn University as the national champions.
Georgia will compete in three NCEA event titles this afternoon. The Bulldogs will continue competition versus the Auburn Tigers in Equitation Over Fences. In Horsemanship, Georgia will take on Texas Christian University, to follow in Reining competing against the Southern Methodist University Mustangs.
HOW TO FOLLOW GEORGIA EQUESTRIAN: For complete information on Georgia equestrian, follow the team on its social media channels via @UGAEquestrian on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
