Texas A&M
NEW MEXICO STATE
Aggie Riders Dominate NMSU, 18-2, in Regular-Season Finale
Mar 13, 2010 | Equestrian
March 13, 2010
BRYAN, Texas - The third-ranked Texas A&M equestrian team had a record-setting afternoon as the Aggies closed out the regular season by dominating New Mexico State, 18-2, on "Senior Day" Saturday at the Brazos County Expo Complex.
The victory secured the program's third 10-win season in four years, as the Aggies (10-4) picked up their 24th consecutive home win and remained unbeaten all-time in their new facility. New Mexico State, meanwhile, fell to 5-5.
"For the seniors to have their final show at home and dominate the way they did, only giving up two points, that is phenomenal," head coach Tana McKay said. "We couldn't be more proud of them and was just an awesome way to close out their home careers."
Sophomore Maggie Earle (Fallbrook, Calif.) became the first rider in school history to capture two MVP honors in the same show, claiming the award in both equitation over fences and equitation on the flat. In addition, A&M's 18 points was a school record and the Aggies' 16-point margin of victory was the largest in school history. NMSU was held to the fewest points ever scored by a Texas A&M opponent in a regular-season competition.
"For our team to put up the score that it did with all the variables we have in our sport, that is a very difficult feat," McKay said. "Obviously, the girls were right on, were focused and were ready to go out and have a great day in the final home show of the season. Everything we've done the last few weeks has paid off."
Earle's first ride of the afternoon resulted in an 88-69 defeat of Laura Bostwick over fences and her fourth MVP of the year in the discipline. Then, she bested that performance with a 90-78 victory over Marisa Bernal on the flat, the second-highest score in that discipline in school history and only the second 90-point flat ride ever by an Aggie rider.
"Maggie's rides were extraordinary," hunter seat coach Linzy Woolf said. "She has always ridden well in fences, but she has shown tremendous growth and ability in the flat format and that was very obvious today."
The fences squad set the tone, picking up its second sweep of the year by taking all five rides. Along with Earle's MVP effort, senior Lindsay Smith (West Friendship, Md.) earned the 37th win of her career after an 83-64 win over Amy Lang. Lia Chafee and Brooke Coleman picked up victories after 80-plus point rides, while Kori Pickett defeated Chelsae Keyes, 78-70, to complete the sweep.
A&M was one judge's point shy of a sweep on the flat, taking four of five possible points. Earle's 90-point ride was a show best, and she was joined in the winner's circle by Hannah Soibelman, Kristin Bell and Elizabeth Solch.
The horsemanship riders also swept all five points, led by senior and two-time defending national champion Caroline Gunn (Greensburg, Ind.). Gunn picked up her 54th career win and 21st MVP honor after a 75.5-69 win over Jo Walker. Amanda Cushman (Huntsville) all posted scores of 73 or better.
The reiners closed out the show by taking four of five rides and also falling just one judge's point shy of a sweep. Senior Maggie Gratny (Leavenworth, Kan.) earned her team-leading fifth MVP honor and the 13th of her career after defeating Breanne Bertrand, 72.5-67.5. Courtney Dawe scored a two-point win for the Aggies over Jennifer Friend, while Tara Christiansen and Abigail Grabein each produced 70-point rides that scored for the maroon and white.
Riding in their final home shows, a pair of seniors picked up exhibition wins--Ashley Snoey in horsemanship and Christina Heine on the flat.
Texas A&M now turns its attention to the postseason and the upcoming Big 12 Championships. The Aggies are anticipating the No. 1 seed for the event, scheduled for March 26 and 27 in Waco.
"We have to switch gears a bit now," McKay said. "We have gotten comfortable on our home turf of late, but we are now heading on the road to nationals. We have had great preparation on the girls' part and we have some great momentum going heading to postseason."
Players Mentioned
