Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Auburn
Dogs Topple No. 2 Tigers
3/13/2010 12:00:00 AM | Equestrian
March 13, 2010
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State's final home event of the season was a classic. The meet featured three teams ranked in the Top 10 nationally, Auburn is No. 2, Kansas State No. 6 and the Bulldogs are ranked 10th.
Fresno State vs. Auburn Results 
Fresno State vs. Kansas State Results
In a double dual meet, the Bulldogs needed the final ride of the day by sophomore Shawna McClurg to clinch a win over No. 2 Auburn by a score of 8-7. The Dogs dropped their match to Kansas State 9-6.
The Tigers have been ranked either first or second in the national polls all season long and entered this weekend with an 11-2 record.
The Bulldogs won two matches on each of the four events and earned a tie, by Kimberly Steinbuch, in equitation on the flat en route to the victory.
Holly Elsbernd continues to be one of the most improved riders on the squad, scoring a 71 and earning a win over Dottie Grubb. She was in the line-up because of an injury to senior Jennifer Jory. Jory is expected to return for the national championships in a month.
Jory's fellow senior Lisa Wells, who's having an excellent season, won MVP honors with a score of 80 to give the Dogs another team point. Wells has won four MVP awards this season.
Jessica Kissell and Lauren Carr each earned wins in equitation on the flat. Carr had a score of 69 to earn MVP honors in the event.
On the Western side, Madison Silver posted a score of 73 to earn MVP honors in Western Horsemanship, joining Sammie Jo Stone, who also earned a win.
Freshman Sydney Coletti had a score of 70 to earn a victory in reining. McClurg sealed the victory with the final ride of the day with a score of 68.5 to defeat Jillian Fuller by five points.
Against the Wildcats, Fresno State split it eight English matches but Kansas State won five of eight Western Matches.
Holly Esbernd won MVP honors against Kansas State with a score of 82, and freshman Chelsea Stone had a strong ride of 76 to earn a win in Equitation over Fences.
Carr and Lanie Madrazo each won matches on the flat.
Stone won her second match of the day in Western Horsemanship, her sixth in the last eight matches. Silver tied her match with Laura Browne with a 72.5.
Captain Jill Tebbe was the only Bulldog with a win in reining with a score of 68. Coletti and Blackledge lost their matches by just a half a point each.
Fresno State finished its home season with a record of 7-1.
"I was delighted with the win over Auburn," said head coach Dr. Becky Malmo. "If I thought we'd split today, I thought we had a better chance against Kansas State. They just beat us with some very good rides. I'm excited that had some really strong performances today. Lauren Carr is really emerging as an outstanding prospect and Lisa Wells with her 80 was very good today."
Auburn and Kansas State will compete in a head to head competition on Sunday beginning at 9 a.m. PT.
The Fresno State equestrian team will host Kid's Horse Day at the Student Horse Center on Sunday, March 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children of all ages can participate in variety of activities including face painting, pet-a-pony, sack races, horse bingo and can win prizes. They will also get to meet the nationally ranked Bulldog equestrian team.
The Bulldog seniors will be honored at 10 a.m. Sunday.
"We are very proud of our seniors," said Malmo. "They have given a tremendous amount to our program and leave some big shoes to fill."
Up next for the Dogs is the Varsity Equestrian National Championships in Waco, Texas, April 15-18.
"We Are Your Team!" -The Dogs host Kid's Horse Day on campus on Sunday, March 14, beginning at 11 a.m. Come and participate and admission is free.
Players Mentioned
