By Ryne Rickman, UT Martin Sports Information Director
DANBURY, Conn. – The University of Tennessee at Martin accounted for three of the four Eastern College Athletic Conference Rider of the Week honorees today as Kate Davis nabbed top status in horsemanship and reining while Tyler Anderson claimed flat accolades.
This is the first time that Davis and Anderson have been recognized by the ECAC with a weekly equestrian honor. The Skyhawks have now brought home five ECAC weekly awards in 2021-22 as Kelby Kane (fences) and Julia Gilman (flat) were billed as Riders of the Week in their respective events on Oct. 5.
Davis and Anderson guided UT Martin to an impressive 10-8 road victory at South Dakota State last Friday. It marked the Skyhawks’ first victory in Brookings, SD since Oct. 22, 2011 as the No. 10 ranked UT Martin squad improved to 2-2 on the season.
Securing both MOP honors was Davis as the freshman from Williamston, Mich. continued a sizzling start to her collegiate career. Her 73 in horsemanship was good enough for a five-point victory while her 69 in reining edged out her head-to-head competitor by 1.5 points.
On the season, Davis is responsible for three MOP’s in four tries in reining, additionally leading the Skyhawks in victories (three) and scoring average (71.1). In horsemanship, she boasts a team-best 73.5 scoring average and owns the squad’s lone MOP honor so far this season.
Anderson was a key part of UT Martin’s flat lineup that took four of five points on Friday. She managed a team-best 81 points to record a three-point victory in her head-to-head matchup.
The junior from Novi, Mich. has now won three consecutive decisions in flat, tying for the team lead in the category. She has collected a 78.6 scoring average through four meets so far in 2021-22.
The Skyhawks will be back in action next month as they host No. 5 Texas A&M on Friday, Nov. 12 and ECAC foe Lynchburg on Saturday, Nov. 13 at the Ned McWherter Agricultural Pavilion.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information