Georgia Beats South Carolina, Finishes Third at SEC Championship

Saturday, March 25

Blythewood, S.C.

9:00 a.m.

University of Georgia

South Carolina

Georgia Beats South Carolina, Finishes Third at SEC Championship

March 25, 2023 | Equestrian

BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. --- The University of Georgia equestrian team defeated South Carolina, 15-5, to finish third at the 2023 SEC Championship Saturday at One Wood Farm.

Three Bulldogs won Most Outstanding Performer honors for their rides. Senior Ceci Bresch won the award after scoring a 241 in Flat. Junior Sophie Lucas and fifth-year Sara Lewis were named MOP in Reining and Horsemanship, respectively.

"Great performances today, really strong riding and still continued great energy," Georgia head coach Meghan Boenig said. "We built off a lot things from yesterday. What I am really proud of is seeing ride after ride be clean and then also push. Huge high scores, huge win margins, when you see those you know there is a lot of riding going on, a lot of adjusting horses that may or may not be difficult, making things work for you, so, this really bodes well. We are not done in any way, shape or form. In fact, I think we are starting to lengthen that stride. Certainly, would have been fun to do it earlier, but all we need to do is continue this path."

For the SEC Championship, total scores for each rider are comprised by adding the marks from three judges.

Competition started with Reining, where the Bulldogs took a 3-2 lead over the Gamecocks. Sophie Lucas put the first score on the board and earned MOP honors, with a 211.5. Raegan Shepherd followed, outscoring her opponent 209.5-196. The Gamecocks took the next two points before Caitlin Lyons anchored the event, scoring a 210.

In Flat, the Bulldogs maintained a 4-1 lead. Senior Ceci Bresch won the first Jumping Seat point and MOP honors with a 241. Junior Sophia Pilla took the next point, defeating her opponent 240-225. Juniors Nora Andrews and Jordan Toering secured the next two points for Georgia, earning a 233 and 223, respectively.

Up 7-3 at the start of the second half, the Bulldogs swept all five points in Horsemanship. Leah Anderson won the first point with her score of 223. Fifth-year Kendall Gill followed, outscoring her opponent 230.5-202.5. Sophomores Jordan Davis rode to a 224.5 and Jillian Stopperich received a 213, securing the third and fourth points. Sara Lewis rounded out the event, earning a 228 and an MOP honor.

The Bulldogs edged the Gamecocks 3-2 in the Fences arena. South Carolina won the first point. Sophomore Catalina Peralta received the second point with her score of 252. Senior Rachel McMullen and freshman Tessa Brown took the final two points, both scoring a 255.

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.