The Bodda Getta

From Auburn Media Relations

BISHOP, Ga. – The No. 2 Auburn equestrian team defeated top-ranked Georgia 12-8 Saturday on the road, followed by a 15-4 win over Delaware State to move to 8-1 (4-1) on the season and remain undefeated this spring.

“As predicted, it was a great meet between two great teams against Georgia,” Auburn head coach Greg Williams said. “Winning on the road in this sport is always difficult, but it is a great accomplishment pulling it off at the top-ranked team’s place. The Georgia riders were tough as always and did a great job hosting the doubleheader.”

The Tigers defeated Georgia for the second time this season, having won in Auburn, 13-7, on Nov. 9. Auburn will carry a seven-meet winning streak into its final regular-season competitions next weekend before hosting the inaugural SEC Equestrian Championship, March 29-30, at the Auburn University Horse Center.

Against Georgia, Auburn led 7-3 at the break after winning both equitation over fences, 3-2, and horsemanship, 4-1.

The Tigers earned points over fences from Elizabeth Benson (88-84), Jennifer Waxman (77-65) and Christina Lin (73-70). In Horsemanship, Indy Roper (70-67.5), Katsy Leeman (71.5-70.5), Stephanie Rucci (75.5-71) and Griffin Knight (72-68) each won their point.

Auburn and Georgia split equitation on the flat and reining, as the Bulldogs took the flat, 3-2, and the Tigers won reining, 3-2.

Christina Lin (77-66) and Jennifer Delman (76-66) won their points on the flat, and Cheyenne Cracraft (68-0), Rucci (67-64) and Roper (74-65.5) earned points in reining.

In Auburn’s second meet against Delaware State, the Tigers swept the four events winning over fences, 4-1, on the flat, 3-1, horsemanship, 4-1, and reining 4-1.

Over fences, Benson (86-64), Quincy Hayes (82-74), Coryn Bergenty (80-70) and Megan Bifano (79-67) won their points, while Piper Donnelly (80-60), Christine Orrison (80-77) and Anna Becker (85-78) earned points on the flat.

In Horsemanship, Knight (73.5-71.5), Rucci (68-60), Hannah Loseke (68.5-68) and Lucy Igoe (72-71) earned wins, and in reining, Cracraft (68.5-60), Hailey Munger (70-62), Julianna Cook (67.5-58.5) and Morgan Burns (69-66) picked up their points.

Benson was awarded Most Outstanding Player over fences in both meets. Rucci picked up the MOP honor against Georgia in horsemanship, and Munger was named MOP in reining against Delaware State.

Auburn returns to action next weekend as it travels to Texas for a series of three meets Friday-Sunday against Texas A&M, Baylor and TCU.