The University of South Carolina equestrian team beat South Dakota State University Friday evening, winning 9-7 to open the 2015-16 season.
In what head coach Boo Major described as “a hard fought win,” the Gamecocks trailed SDSU until sophomore Raleigh Bacharach were victorious in her competition debut, beating her competitor Marielle Golden 80-74. Her equitation on the flat performance set the score at 5-0. The team also performed well in the reining portion of the event, securing the trophy.
“We're happy to be getting out of here with a win over what I think is a very talented South Dakota State team,” Major said. “I think [Wilkins] and her staff have done a tremendous job with their group, and I think they're going to be really good as the season goes on. It was a close for one us, but our flat team dug us out of an early hole, and our reining team was able to finish the job.”
Major mentioned there were five riders who earned points for the first time in their careers, and she’s pleased with their strong debuts.
“We had a lot of folks competing for the first time today, and most of them won their points which is always a great thing,” she said.
In addition to Bacharach, freshman Lizzie van der Walde and Bridgett White, senior Erin Fry and junior Amelia Vernon also scored their first career points. Van der Walde impressed with her 84-79 victory in equitation over fences. In the flat portion, Fry clinched the victory 82 to 81, while Vernon’s 86-83 win helped her earn her first M.O.P. White’s competition in reining was fierce, yet she pulled off a win. The score was 72.5-72.
“We had four riders alone in the second half of the meet win their first points and I was proud to see us come from behind and hold on to the lead in a tough road environment,” Major said.
The team feels prepared for their coming competition against Texas Christian University in Blythewood on Friday.