FRESNO, Calif. - The South Dakota State equestrian team suffered a disappointing loss on Saturday at the hands of New Mexico State, in a show hosted by Fresno State, by a score of 9-5.
The loss drops the Jackrabbits overall record to an even 6-6 with one show left before the NCEA Nationals in April.
"It was a disappointing weekend, however, we did have strong rides in fences and flat," head coach Megan Rossiter said. "Especially Laura Dunlavy, who earned MOP in reining."
Dunlavy's score of 71.5 over New Mexico State rider Haley Newkirk's 67 earns her the MOP honors in the reining arena, which boosts her overall record to 10-1, and puts her in the running for All-American honors. The Jackrabbits ended their time in the reining pen with a score of 1-3.
In the flat arena, senior Megan Schiffman and junior Santana Wright scored points for the Jackrabbits, with sophomore Jordan Goodall's 71 tying her competitor's score. South Dakota State ended the equitation on the flat competition with a 2- 1 advantage.
The horsemanship riders were swept today, with the Aggies earning all four points.
The fences competition ended in a 2- 2 tie, with the two points coming from seniors Jenna Boscardin and Megan Violand.
"I'm especially proud of the hunt seat riders," assistant coach Kamerra Brown said. "They came back from a tough loss yesterday, and rode even better today."
The Jackrabbits next and final competition before NCEA Nationals takes place at the University of Tennessee-Martin on March 22-23, when the Jacks ride against the UTM Skyhawks, with rematches of this weekend's opponents, the Fresno Bulldogs and New Mexico State Aggies.
