By Ryne Rickman, UT Martin Sports Information Director
MARTIN, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee at Martin equestrian team started the 2022-23 season on a high note today as the No. 9 ranked Skyhawks defeated Dartmouth by a 9-1 margin at the Ned McWherter Agricultural Pavilion.
Facing the No. 4 ranked single-discipline team in the country, Sydney Hott was the story of the day as the junior out of Defiance, Mo. wrapped up MOP accolades in both events, marking the first such high honors of her career. She dialed up 86 points in fences and 80 points in flat – both of which were career-high scores.
Returning All-Eastern College Athletic Conference performers Haley Kane and Julia Gilman also went 2-0 on the day. Kane earned a score of 84 in fences for a 14-point triumph to go along with her 73-point effort in flat. A reigning All-American in flat, Gilman picked up right where she left off last season with a 77-point performance in flat and a 78-point showing in fences.
In fences, Tyler Anderson (80 points) and Elizabeth Becker (79 points) additionally generated head-to-head victories to give UT Martin a 5-0 sweep in the Jumping Seat event.
Sophia Sundem came away with a win in flat after her 73-point performance. Bridget Vieau also represented the Skyhawks in flat but ran into some tough luck as her 74-point effort was edged out by one point by her Dartmouth competitor.
UT Martin gets right back at it next week with a pair of meets in Fenton, Del. The Skyhawks will take on Delaware State on Thursday, Oct. 6 before a top-10 matchup against No. 2 TCU on Friday, Oct. 7.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information