University of Georgia Athletics
Georgia Riders in Contention Again for National Title
April 18, 2009 | Equestrian
WACO, Texas --- Georgia’s Hunt Seat squad took a pair of dual matches one a lopsided affair, the other a squeaker to advance into the championship round of the Varsity Equestrian National Championships in a marathon day here Friday.
The Bulldogs’ Western team, however, dropped a close decision in its semifinal match against Texas Christian and will compete in the third-place match on Saturday against Oklahoma State.
Despite the Western loss, Georgia remains in a favorable position to capture its second straight overall championship and fourth in program history. Only a pair of wins by Texas A&M in the Western finals and Hunt Seat consolation combined with two Georgia losses would prevent the Bulldogs from winning the grand prize.
“What an amazing day, a long day and one that was filled with drama from start to finish,” Georgia coach Meghan Boenig said. “Every single one of our Fences riders had to come through in the most pressure-packed situations. And they did. It was just incredible what they were able to accomplish under those circumstances. We’re looking forward to another great day tomorrow.”
The Georgia hunters dominated Fresno State 7-1 in their opening match of the day. Things weren’t so easy against SEC rival South Carolina in the semifinals, however. The Gamecocks had taken a 2-1-1 lead after the Equitation on the Flat during mid-day action. Thunderstorms in the Waco area forced closure of the outside arena at the Heart of Texas complex and a significant delay in further Hunt Seat action.
When the Fences competition finally began, Georgia leaders Haylie Jayne and Kelley Cowperthwait recorded tying scores with their Carolina counterparts. The match swung on winning rides by Emma Lipman and Kacy Jenkins, who outpointed USC’s Eleanor Kunsman 156-149 in the clincher.
Georgia’s Western corps suffered a similar fate as last year, when the Horned Frogs eliminated them in the semifinal round. As it did in 2008, this year’s match came down to a tie-breaker, in which TCU edged the Bulldogs 985-965.5.
“I really feel the heartbreak for our Western team,” Boenig said. “To have the outcome decided by such a close margin, exactly like last year, is disappointing. I’m confident they’ll come back strong on Saturday and get the win.”
Competition resumes on Saturday morning at 8:30 Central Time.
The Bulldogs’ Western team, however, dropped a close decision in its semifinal match against Texas Christian and will compete in the third-place match on Saturday against Oklahoma State.
Despite the Western loss, Georgia remains in a favorable position to capture its second straight overall championship and fourth in program history. Only a pair of wins by Texas A&M in the Western finals and Hunt Seat consolation combined with two Georgia losses would prevent the Bulldogs from winning the grand prize.
“What an amazing day, a long day and one that was filled with drama from start to finish,” Georgia coach Meghan Boenig said. “Every single one of our Fences riders had to come through in the most pressure-packed situations. And they did. It was just incredible what they were able to accomplish under those circumstances. We’re looking forward to another great day tomorrow.”
The Georgia hunters dominated Fresno State 7-1 in their opening match of the day. Things weren’t so easy against SEC rival South Carolina in the semifinals, however. The Gamecocks had taken a 2-1-1 lead after the Equitation on the Flat during mid-day action. Thunderstorms in the Waco area forced closure of the outside arena at the Heart of Texas complex and a significant delay in further Hunt Seat action.
When the Fences competition finally began, Georgia leaders Haylie Jayne and Kelley Cowperthwait recorded tying scores with their Carolina counterparts. The match swung on winning rides by Emma Lipman and Kacy Jenkins, who outpointed USC’s Eleanor Kunsman 156-149 in the clincher.
Georgia’s Western corps suffered a similar fate as last year, when the Horned Frogs eliminated them in the semifinal round. As it did in 2008, this year’s match came down to a tie-breaker, in which TCU edged the Bulldogs 985-965.5.
“I really feel the heartbreak for our Western team,” Boenig said. “To have the outcome decided by such a close margin, exactly like last year, is disappointing. I’m confident they’ll come back strong on Saturday and get the win.”
Competition resumes on Saturday morning at 8:30 Central Time.
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