Fresno State Athletics
Bulldogs Win Opener Over Aggies
9/26/2009 12:00:00 AM | Equestrian
Sept. 26, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State equestrian team defeated the New Mexico State Aggies 12-8 in their season opener Saturday at the Student Horse Center.
The Bulldogs won both the English and Western disciplines by the score of 6-4 in each division. In English, Fresno State beat New Mexico State 783-634 in total points. In Western, the Dogs downed the Aggies 723.5-666.5 overall. This marks the Bulldogs' first victory over NMSU.
Three Bulldogs garnered MVP honors as Jessica Kissell (Equitation over Fences), Nicole Roworth (Equitation on the Flat) and Christa Beezley (Horsemanship) took top accolades in their respective competitions.
"I am extremely proud of the performance of our girls today," head coach Dr. Becky Malmo said of her team's impressive showing in both English and Western. "I was particularly pleased with Christa winning her MVP as a newcomer who rode beautifully today. Jessica and Nicole were also exceptional and our entire roster had a great day."
Fresno State jumped out to an early 4-1 lead in Equitation over Fences with four scores of 80 or more. Kissell's ride earned her an 86 and Lisa Wells (85), Jennifer Jory (80) and Holly Elsbernd (80) won the four Dog points in the opening competition.
"Holly really stepped up today," Malmo added. "She demonstrated great control and vision, which makes me very happy. Our team captains, Lisa and Jennifer, showed great leadership and set the tone for the match."
Roworth netted the highest score of the day with an 87 in Equitation on the Flat and combined with sophomore Kimmie Steinbuch's win over NMSU's Stephanie Gerson to secure the 6-4 English victory.
Beezley, a freshman from Bend, Ore., helped the Bulldogs edge the Aggies 3-2 in the intricate Horsemanship pattern. Senior Madison Silver and sophomore Sammie Jo Stone won the other two Fresno State points in the discipline.
In the always crowd-pleasing Reining competition, senior Keri Blackledge beat the Aggies' Breanne Bertrand 75 to 74.5 for a critical Fresno State point in the match-deciding event. With fast circles and sprints to a quick stop, two other Dogs earned points (Shawna McClurg and Elizabeth Thomasian).
"Our staff did a wonderful job putting together today's show," Malmo said. "We love to give the community a chance to view our hard-working student-athletes and horses. We are looking forward to a fun night at our first Bulldog Barnyard Bash! Our Saddle Club volunteers are phenomenal and I am so thankful for everyone's effort to support our program."
The Bulldogs will hit the road for the rest of the fall and next compete in two weeks at TCU (Oct. 10) and Texas A&M (Oct. 11).
Final Team Results
Team (Western+English=Total)
Fresno State (6+6=12)
New Mexico St.(4+4=8)
English Results
Fresno State -- 2 (378) / New Mexico St. -- 3 (371)
Equitation on the Flat
*Nicole Roworth (87) defeated Crystal Doganey (79)
Lisa Beach (66) lost to Brianna Raab (70)
Kimmie Stenbuch (77) defeated Stephanie Gerson (61)
Lanie Madrazo (69) lost to Laura Bostwick (76)
Caitlin Marshall (79) lost to Marisa Bernal (85)
Fresno State -- 4 (405) / New Mexico St. -- 1 (263)
Equitation over Fences
Lisa Wells (85) defeated Laura Bostwich (50)
*Jessica Kissell (86) defeated Brianna Raab (77)
Chelsea Rua-Stone (74) lost to Marisa Bernal (83)
Jennifer Jory (80) defeated Chelsae Keyes (DQ)
Holly Elsbernd (80) defeated Amy Lang (53)
Western Results
Fresno State -- 3 (375) / New Mexico St.-- 2 (374.5)
Horsemanship
Ally Warkentine (67.5) lost to Pamela Evens (72.5)
*Christa Beezley (78) defeated Kate Goodwin (75.5)
Sammie Jo Stone (76) defeated Codi Binkerd (75.5)
Madison Silver (77) defeated Rebecca McReynolds (74)
Kelsi Fischer (76.5) lost to Rachael Krause (77)
Fresno State -- 3 (348.5) / New Mexico St. - 2 (292)
Reining
Keri Blackledge (75) defeated Breanne Bertrand (74.5)
Shawna McClurg (70) defeated Kate Goodwin (69)
Jill Tebbe (70.5) lost to *Rachael Krause (74.5)
Becca Barnes (68.5) lost to Rebecca McReynolds (74)
Elizabeth Thomasian (64.5) defeated Kyra Cruse (DQ)
*Denotes MVP honors
"We Are Your Team!" -- For more information on the Fresno State equestrian team, continue visiting www.gobulldogs.com.
