Equestrian opens with a split at Kansas State

Friday, September 26

Manhattan, Kan.

9:00 AM

South Dakota State University

New Mexico State

9/26/2014 9:49:00 PM | Equestrian

By: SDSU Sports Info

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The South Dakota State equestrian team opened the 2014-15 season on Friday with a close win over No. 9 New Mexico State, but fell to host, No. 5 Kansas State, later in the day.

The Jackrabbits edged the Aggies on raw score by 8.5 points, after tying the meet with seven points apiece, while the Wildcats downed the Jackrabbits by a 13-6 score.

“We knew we were headed into a tough day against two strong teams,” head coach Megan Rossiter said. “We put together some strong rides today in both fences and reining, but can still improve all around. We look forward to getting back into the arena on Saturday at Oklahoma State.”

Sophomore Jessica Andronowitz scored a career-high 90 for the Jackrabbits against New Mexico State over fences, earning her point and MOP honors in the process. Freshman Taylor Duerr made the most of her first collegiate ride over fences as well, carding an 82 to earn a point for the Jacks, while senior Jordan Goodall's 79 held up for an SDSU point and a 3-1 advantage over fences.

Junior Marielle Golden scored the Jacks lone point on the flat with a career-high score of 88.

Sophomore Kelsey Swainston scored the Jacks lone point in horsemanship with a 74.5, while the reining squad finished with two points and a pair of tie scores.

An NCEA All-American in reining last year, Raivenne Scott scored a 71 to earn her point, while freshman Mariah Wright earned MOP honors in her first collegiate ride with a score of 68.

Despite the loss to the host Wildcats, the Jacks could still find some bright spots in the meet. Freshman Emily Kerr picked up her first-career win with an impressive score of 82 over fences for one of SDSU's three hunt seat points. Another came from Andronowitz, who moved to 2-0 on the day with an 88, while sophomore Blair Julia Wright scored the lone point on the flat with a 77.

Swaintston completed a perfect day with a 74 in horsemanship, while both Scott and Christina Dexter picked up points in reining, with Dexter adding her first-career MOP in the process.

The Jackrabbits don't get right back to action again on Saturday, when they take on No. 2 Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Okla.