Georgia Wins Season Opener Against Baylor, 10-8

Friday, September 30

Bishop, Ga.

10 a.m.

University of Georgia

Baylor

September 30, 2022 | Equestrian

BISHOP, Ga. --- The No. 5 University of Georgia equestrian team defeated No. 7 Baylor in the season opener with a final score of 10-8 on Friday afternoon at the UGA Equestrian Complex.

The Bulldogs (1-0) collected three Most Outstanding Performer honors for their rides. Junior Emma Reichow scored an 88 in Fences and sophomore Catalina Peralta received a 92- her career-high score. Graduate Kendall Gill earned recognition for her score of 77 in Horsemanship.

"I really am proud of the grit that this team had," head coach Meghan Boenig said. "Obviously, some huge dominant scores there, both seen in seniors and first-time freshman starters. How incredible is that? But coming from a little bit behind at half time there have been times in our past, recent history, that we didn't have the same amount of energy and push but we really saw that today and how we closed. That really boasts incredible things for the future. We know we will have to make a couple of adjustments, but we're excited about what we were able to accomplish the second half."

Competition started in Fences with the Bulldogs jumping to a 4-1.  Freshman Tessa Brown made her collegiate debut with an impressive ride, scoring an 87 to win her point.  Senior Rachel McMullen followed with a score of 83 and junior Jordan Toering was next riding to an 86.  Baylor took the next point.  Junior Emma Reichow rode to the high score of the event, earning an 88 and MOP honors for her course.

Baylor made a comeback in Reining, taking four points. Senior Caitlin Lyons pushed the final point with a score of 69.5.

The Bears held a 5-4 lead after two events.

The Bulldogs regained the lead in Flat, adding four points. First in the ring, junior Sophia Pilla completed a beautiful pattern, scoring a 90 and bringing the point total to five each. Next senior Ceci Bresch rode to a score of 82 to give an advantage to the Bulldogs, but Baylor grabbed the next point. Georgia finished the event claiming two more points from sophomore Catalina Peralta and junior Nora Andrews with scores of 90 and 87, respectively.

Georgia and Baylor alternated points in Horsemanship to add two points each to the total. The Bulldogs and Bears pushed the first point, before sophomore Jillian Stopperich rode to a 75 against her opponent's 70.5. Fifth-year Kendall Gill secured the final point for Georgia and earned MOP honors with her score of 77.

Georgia is back in action next week to begin conference play against Auburn. The meet is scheduled for Friday, October 7 at 2 p.m. at the UGA Equestrian Complex.  Admission is free.

HOW TO FOLLOW GEORGIA EQUESTRIAN: For complete information on Georgia equestrian, follow the team on its social media channels via @UGAEquestrian on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.