WACO, Texas - Oklahoma State’s fourth-ranked equestrian team defeated No. 8 Baylor, 10-9, in the opening meet of the season for OSU at Willis Family Equestrian Center.
“I could not be more proud of our team today! The girls rode with a lot of confidence and kept up their positive attitude throughout the day,” OSU head coach Larry Sanchez said. “We trailed at the half, but the team rallied together to put together some very impressive rides to finish out the day. Baylor is a very good team. Coach Maxwell and her staff do a great job.”
The meet began with Fences, where Abigail Brayman dropped her first ride to Baylor’s Emma Fletcher, 73-40, before Cowgirl Emma Pacyna countered with a score of 88 to defeat Savannah Hemby and earn MOP honors.
Sydnie Ziegler picked up a victory against Baylor’s Maddie Vorhies, 86-78, but the Cowgirls dropped the final two points in Fences when Baylor’s Caroline Fuller beat Sydney North, 84-75, and Madi Mitchell defeated Hope King, 82-76.
Coinciding with Fences was Reining, where the Cowgirls split the contest, 2-2. Baylor’s Jenna Meimerstrof narrowly beat Quincee Clark, 72-71, and Cowgirl Jojo Roberson and Madaline Callaway tied, each scoring a 69. OSU’s Hannah Lovrien countered with a victory against Julianne Kelley, 69.5-68.5.
Baylor took the lead in a close showdown when Daisy Kaufman beat Stephanie Gripp, 71-70. Molly Mitchell finished the event with a score of 70.5 to earn a point for the Cowgirls after Shelby Clausen was disqualified. Heading into the break, the Bears led 5-4.
Next up was Flat, where OSU tied the meet up at 7-7. The Cowgirls came out firing with a Katie Pelzel victory, 81-74. Hannah Coleman dropped her point to Baylor's Caroline Fuller, 80.5-65.5, but OSU’s Hope King dominated and took the next point, 78-66.5.
Baylor’s Dominika Silverstri beat Sydnie Ziegler, 80-65, but Brayman secured the Fences competition’s final point for the Cowgirls by defeating Savannah Hemby, 87-69.
Horsemanship was the final event in which the Cowgirls dropped two points. Lizzie Meerman was defeated, 74-72.5, by Gabrielle Marty, and Natalie Vargo dropped her point to BU’s Nadalee Vasquez, 73-70.5.
Roberson earned MOP honors and another Cowgirl point after scoring a 76.5 against Ellen Schrontenboer, and Maddie Fussell followed with a score of 73.5, defeating Bella Rosa. Caroline Nielson earned the meet-clinching point by beating Marley Mainwaring, 75.5-72.
The Cowgirls will be back in action October 15 in Stillwater when they face No. 1 Auburn.
