University of Georgia
SMU
No. 2 Georgia Tops No. 3 SMU, 11-9
October 30, 2021 | Equestrian
DALLAS, Texas – The No. 2 University of Georgia equestrian team defeated No. 3 SMU, 11-9, on Saturday at the Dallas Equestrian Center.
Fifth year, Hayley Mairano, and sophomore, Jordan Toering, both earned Most Outstanding Player honors. Mairano's 87 notches her fourth Fences MOP, while Toering's Flat score of 94 is her personal best and first Flat MOP of her career.
"Just an incredible rebound, we completed the process on things we learned," said head Coach Meghan Boenig. "It took some quick learning, but such an incredible opportunity. I'm really proud of the rides. Congratulations to Jillian (Stopperich) for coming out here and scoring on her first ride. Impressive rides all over the place, and really proud of the mental strength and resilience of this team."
Competition started in Flat with the Bulldogs (2-2, 0-2 SEC) winning four points. Junior Ceci Bresch claimed the first point, with a 73-71 win. Toering scored a 94, topping her opponent. SMU (2-3, 1-1 ECAC) took the next point, but Georgia bounced back. Sophomore Sophia Pilla downed her opponent with an 82, while Mairano scored a winning 77.
SMU had a strong Horsemanship performance. Freshman Jillian Stopperich edged out her opponent 77-76.5, while Senior Sara Lewis took the next point with a 73-67 win. The Mustangs won the three remaining Horsemanship points.
Georgia took the lead, 6-4, going into the second half of the meet.
The Bulldogs claimed three points in Fences. Sophomore Isabelle Song defeated her opponent 78-75, earning the first point of the second half. The second point would go to the Mustangs. Mairano claimed her second point of the day, with an 87-85 win. Sophomore Emma Reichow claimed Georgia's third Fences point, scoring 83. SMU took the last point.
Claiming the first three points and tying the score 9-9, the Mustangs bounced back in Reining. The last two points came down to seniors Courtney Blumer and Lindsay Guynn. Blumer's 72 secured the win for Georgia, while Guynn's 71 earned the final point for the Bulldogs.
Georgia is back at home on Saturday, Nov. 13 against South Carolina. Competition is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. ET at the Georgia Equestrian Complex.
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
