Bulldogs rank ninth in NCEA Preseason Rankings

WACO, Texas- Following a first-round appearance at last season's National Collegiate Equestrian Association Championship, Fresno State was picked to finish ninth in the annual NCEA preseason poll, as announced by the organization on Tuesday.

"I am looking forward to us moving up in the rankings this year," Fresno State head coach Eric Hubbard said. "We have a lot of new energy that is coming into the team and we are expecting some big wins this year."

Coming off a season highlighted by three United Equestrian Conference Rider of the Year awards, including returners Sierra Swaffar (Equitation on the Flat), Taylor Dixon (Horsemanship) and Taylor Brown (Reining), the Bulldogs look to continue their success against the nation's top talent.

Fresno State will face four top-five programs this year, including three at home, and will also take on three other ranked teams this season. The Bulldogs host No. 2 Georgia (March 3), No. 3 TCU (Oct. 21), No. 5 Baylor (Feb. 18), No. 7 SMU (Feb. 17) and No. 8 South Carolina (Nov. 4). On the road, the 'Dogs will compete against No. 1 Auburn (Oct. 8), No. 3 TCU (Feb. 11), No. 5 Baylor (Sept. 30), No. 6 Oklahoma State and No. 7 SMU (Feb. 10).

Auburn, which won the 2016 NCEA Championship, is the preseason No. 1 team. The Tigers have been ranked No. 1 in the nation in every rankings announcement consecutively since November 17, 2015.

Georgia, a six-time NCEA Champion and a 2016 NCEA Semifinalist, is ranked No. 2. TCU, which made an historic run to the NCEA Finals last season as the lowest-seeded team ever to accomplish that feat, checks in at No. 3.

Texas A&M, a 2016 NCEA Semifinalist, is ranked No. 4, while Baylor, a 2016 NCEA Quarterfinalist, is No. 5.

Oklahoma State, the 2016 Big 12 Conference Champion, checks in at No. 6, while SMU is No. 7.

South Carolina (No. 8), Fresno State (No. 9) and Delaware State (No. 10) round out the preseason top-10. The Hornets made their first-ever appearance in the NCEA rankings on March 8, 2016.

Fresno State begins competition at the Willis Invitational Sept. 30-Oct. 1 and its first home competition is slated for Oct. 21 against No. 3 TCU.

Click here for Fresno State's full schedule.

2016-17 NCEA Preseason Rankings
1. Auburn
2. Georgia
3. TCU
4. Texas A&M
5. Baylor
6. Oklahoma State
7. SMU
8. South Carolina
9. Fresno State
10. Delaware State

"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.

Fresno State Athletics

Bulldogs rank ninth in NCEA Preseason Rankings

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