Cowgirls Victorious in Season Opener
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State's fourth-ranked equestrian team defeated South Dakota State, 13-7, in their home opener Friday at Totusek Arena.
"The level of our riding is very high," OSU head coach Larry Sanchez said. "There were a few mistakes made that if they are cleaned up, scores will reflect how well we are riding."
The meet started with Horsemanship. OSU's Cassidy Watters earned her second win of the season against Kodi O'Boyle, 72.5-69.5, before Harley Huff bested Emily Kesler, 73.5-69.5, on NCEA Horse of the Year, Chili.
Cowgirl captain Emma Verplank remained undefeated on the season following her 72-66.5 victory over Callyn Fox. Freshman JoJo Roberson then topped Rylee Streit, 76-74, improving her record to 2-1.
The first regular season event held in the Cowgirls' new covered arena was Fences, where OSU narrowly took the event, 3-2. Katie Schell defeated Rachel Darby, 85-74, and Sydnie Ziegler posted a season-high 88 to earn MOP honors. Freshman Sydney North also secured her second win of the season against Rachel Head, 77-70.
The Jackrabbits took Reining 3-2, but the Cowgirls played each point close. Captain Hannah Mitchell remained undefeated on the season after her 75.5-73, MOP performance against Isabelle Riggs. Freshman Gentry Cherry also won her matchup, 69-68.5.
The meet concluded with Flat. Hannah Janson and Abigail Brayman both posted scores of 86, good for each of their season highs. Katie Pelzel routed Rachel Head, 85-80, and Katie Schell kept her undefeated Flat record alive with an 84-67 win over Rachel Darby.
The Cowgirls will be back in Totusek Arena on October 18 against Baylor, the defending Big 12 champions.
