Georgia’s Season Concludes at NCEA Quarterfinals

Thursday, April 18

Ocala, Fla.

8:30 a.m.

University of Georgia

Texas A&M

April 18, 2024 | Equestrian

OCALA, Fla. --- The No. 5 University of Georgia equestrian team's season came to an end after the Bulldogs fell to No. 4 Texas A&M, 11-7, in the National Collegiate Equestrian Association National Championship Quarterfinals on Thursday morning at the World Equestrian Center.

"It's been a great season," Georgia head coach Meghan Boenig said. "We've been so impressed with the build that we've had, particularly in the spring. We didn't come away how we wanted at the SEC Championship, but we came in here with a lot of hunger and fight. Even though today did not close as we wanted it to I'm really proud of this team. I'm proud of the fight. I wouldn't want to be any other place."

There are five judges for the NCEA National Championship.  The highest and lowest score from the judges were dropped with the remaining three averaged to get the total score for each rider.

Competition started in Fences with the Aggies jumping to a 4-1 lead.  Texas A&M won the first four points of the event before freshman Tessa Downey rode to a 87 in the anchor position, topping Alexa Leong's 85.33.

The Aggies outscored the Bulldogs, 3-0, in Reining.  Of the three points awarded to Texas A&M, two were won by less than a point.  Sophomore Shelby Lynch and junior Jax Bound pushed their points with scores of 72 and 67.33, respectively.

Georgia attempted to close the gap in Flat, adding four points.  Senior Sophia Pilla received the high score of the meet with a 85.67 to win her point.  Junior Catalina Peralta followed with a 80, also taking her point from her Aggie opponent.  Seniors Nora Andrews and Jordan Toering both added a point as well with scores of 75.67 and 80.67, respectively.  The final Flat point went to Texas A&M.

Meanwhile in Horsemanship, Georgia added two points to the Aggies' three.  The first two points went to Texas A&M before SEC Horsemanship Rider of the Year Jillian Stopperich defeated her opponent 74.33-73.67 to add a point for the Bulldogs.  After another point went to the Aggies, Georgia closed out competition with Jordan Davis winning her ride, 73.5-71.33.

Georgia finished the season 9-6.  Junior Jillian Stopperich was named the SEC Horsemanship Rider of the Year, while Tessa Brown and Cadence Eger were named the SEC Freshman Fences and Reining Riders of the Year, respectively.  Five Georgia riders received NCEA Ariat All-America honors this season and eight were awarded All-SEC recognition.