By Ryne Rickman, UT Martin Sports Information Director
OXFORD, Ohio – The University of Tennessee at Martin equestrian squad traveled to Miami (Ohio) on Friday and came away with an exhibition victory, turning away the host Redhawks by an 11-6 margin.
Currently carrying a No. 9 national ranking, the Skyhawks earned MOP accolades in all four events today. Emmy Reed (82 points in fences), Rileigh Weiss (92 points in flat), Mannetta McAvaddy (75.5 points in horsemanship) and Lexi Bailey (73.5 points in reining) each brought home top honors in their respective events.
UT Martin took four of the five points in flat, led by Weiss’ remarkable MOP effort. Bridget Vieau and Ava Laplante each won after identical scores of 86 points while Mahalia Alascio collected a victory with 85.5 points. Casey Ruggiero (59 points) also represented the Skyhawks in the event.
In horsemanship, UT Martin managed a trio of victories out of four decisions. McAvaddy was the tonesetter for the Skyhawks after her MOP performance. Mia McAfoos and Emma Schaefer both registered 73.5 points on their way to wins. Erica Snyder completed UT Martin’s lineup with a 64-point ride.
The Skyhawks produced two wins and a tie in fences, paced by Reed’s MOP effort. Sydney Hott’s 81 points was just one behind Reed for a team-best score as she notched a head-to-head victory. Anna Ordonio was assessed 80 points, which was good enough for a tie. Grace York and Abi Myers additionally participated for UT Martin, tallying 74 and 65 points, respectively.
Bailey’s MOP led the way for the Skyhawks in reining while Abi Clark also turned in a victory with 73 points. Natalie Armstrong (66.5 points) and Shelby Jackson (58.5 points) rounded out UT Martin’s scoring lineup in the event.
The Skyhawks next travel to Bishop, Ga. for a Saturday, March 5 matchup against current No. 4 Georgia.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information