Fresno State Athletics
Blackledge, Jory lead Dogs to Victory
1/24/2009 12:00:00 AM | Equestrian
Jan. 24, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - Neither rain, nor sleet or mud could stop Fresno State's equestrian team.
The Bulldogs are used to it by now. Having competed in the rain in a couple shows already this season, and spending this week preparing in heavy rain and in a sloppy ring at Fresno State's Student Horse Center, they were getting used to such conditions. The rings at were still wet and muddy, but that didn't deter the teams or bridle their enthusiasm.
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Despite the less than ideal weather conditions, the Bulldogs beat the Redhawks of Miami (Ohio) 12-9 in the first-ever meet between the two schools.
The Dogs are ranked No. 8 in the nation and have won three consecutive matches. Fresno State will now host defending national champion Georgia and No. 10-ranked New Mexico State Feb. 7-8 at the Student Horse Center.
The Bulldogs got off to a good start on the day, winning four of the six matches in Equitation over Fences.
Led by Jennifer Jory, who won MVP honors with a score of 85, and Cambria Kissell, who scored a 78, the Dogs English team continues to score well on the season.
For Jory it was her third MVP award this season second straight. She won MVP honors against Auburn and Delaware State. Her score of 85 was her second-highest of the season.
"I was very happy with the score on the horse," Jory said of her ride. "He (the horse Ditto) is a little cranky at times but I got some great advice from my coach right before the ride and I kept that in my head the whole time."
Jory said the muddy conditions of the ring were not a factor, especially considering the team had been practicing in it this week.
Also earning wins for the Dogs in Fences were Katey Sellers (73) and Katie Nenneker (76), both with strong scores.
In Western Horsemanship the Bulldog took four of the six matches as each rider scored better than a 71.5.
Earning wins for the Dogs were senior captain Rebecca Flood who scored a 76 on the horse, Jessie. Sophomore Adriane Smith won with a 76.5 and as did freshman Sammi Jo Stone, in her best ride of the season, with a 76.5. Kelsi Fischer defeated Miami's Leslie Coen 73-71 in their match.
Miami won the Equitation on the Flat winning four matches. Freshman Kimmie Steinbuch, in her first match, scored a 74 to earn a win. Caitlin Marshall had a 64 to defeat Sloane Schottenheimer.
Keri Blackledge recorded a score of 74.5 to earn MVP honors and lead the reining team to a 2-1 victory and clinch the victory for the Dogs. It was her second MVP honor of the season and her highest score of the year. She also earned MVP honors earlier this season at Baylor.
Jill Tebbe won her match while Shellie Dalluge rode well with a 73.5 but tied her match with Miami's Brittany Lambert.
"I was very happy with the win," said head coach Becky Malmo. "I was pleased with the way the girls came back and within a week were able to get ready for this match. With the amount of rain we had, the ring was marginal but I was pleased that both teams didn't push the horse past their limitations in these conditions. It was great that Miami came out here. They are a tough team and we hope they can work up toward the varsity format."
Malmo was especially pleased with the performance of Jory.
"Jen Jory rode outstanding today," said Malmo. "With her score (86), she continues to be among the upper echelon of riders in the nation."
"Join the State - Fresno State!" -The Dogs will host defending national champion Georgia and No. 10 New Mexico State Feb. 7-8 at the Student Horse Center. Admission is free.
