SMU Equestrian Tops TCU, 6-4, In Season Opener

DALLAS (SMU) – The SMU equestrian team defeated cross-town rival TCU, 6-4, to open the season Friday morning at BuckBranch Farm. Sophomore Julianna Fischer claimed MVP honors over fences with a score of 88.

“The girls worked unbelievably hard today,” head coach Haley Schoolfield said. “I’ve never seen them so determined and want a win so bad. It’s great to start the season off with such a good victory against a great team in TCU. [SMU assistant] Coach Burton has worked so hard with the team and been so diligent, going above and beyond the call of duty. She had a big hand in this win, so it’s great to get this result.”

Including Fischer, the Mustangs picked up a total of four points over fences. Freshman Emma Roberts turned in an impressive performance in her collegiate debut, finishing one point shy of MVP with an 87. Senior captain Jordyn Pettersen also picked up a win, scoring an 82, as did sophomore Lauren Hogan with a score of 65.

The Mustangs sealed the victory with two points on the flat. Senior Claire Wenholz tallied a meet-high score of 89 in her win, while sophomore Renick Townsend won her match with a score of 78.

The final raw score was SMU 965, TCU 943. The Horned Frogs finished the 2010-11 season ranked No. 8 nationally.

SMU hosts Fresno State Sept. 29 at BuckBranch Farm.