BROOKINGS, S.D. - The Fresno State equestrian team dropped its final meet of the weekend in a close 10-9 battle with South Dakota State on the road. The Bulldogs open the season 0-2.
The Bulldogs had point scorers in each event on Saturday morning, highlighted by a 3-2 win in both the fences and reining.
Fresno State swept the western Most Outstanding Performer honors on Saturday as Kendra Lee earned her first career MOP in horsemanship and Shelby Robinette was named the reining MOP for her second career honor.
How it happened
South Dakota State hopped to an early lead with a 4-1 victory in the flat. Sara Tuck stayed undefeated in the event on the weekend with a 81-72 showing.
Fresno State gained momentum, scoring two points in the horsemanship for a tie in the event. True freshman Aubrey Gerdes won her first collegiate point with a 72.5 to her opponent's 68. In her MOP ride, Lee outscored her opponent 75.5-74. She tied her career-high of a 75.5 set last spring. Senior Alex Krebs tied in her ride with a 73.5.
At the break, South Dakota State led 6-3.
The Bulldogs won the final two events, but it wasn't enough to catch what the Jackrabbits had already managed to do.
In the reining, senior Julianne Kelley won her point with a 71-70.5 edging. Robinette earned her MOP with a 71-67 score. True freshman Alana Becker earned her first collegiate point with a 70.5 to her opponent's 0.
South Dakota State took the first two points in the fences before the Bulldogs earned the final three. Elle Martin outscored her opponent 82-67, Olivia Ferro earned her point with an 80-78 ride and Taylor Holstead scored a 73 to her opponent's 65 for the Bulldog point.
Up Next
Fresno State looks towards its home opener and Big 12 opener against TCU on Friday, October 20. Parking and admission are free at the Student Horse Center.