Bertozzi named NCEA Fences Rider of the Month

WACO, Texas - For the first time in program history, the Fresno State equestrian team has had a student-athlete selected as the National Collegiate Equestrian Association Fences Rider of the Month. Freshman Ana Bertozzi earns the 11th NCEA Rider of the Month honor for the equestrian program.

"We are very proud of Ana and her great start to the season," said head coach Eric Hubbard. "It can be a lot for a freshman to come out on the road with such dominance. Great things are ahead for her as all her hard work has paid off."

Bertozzi opened her collegiate career as one of two freshmen to have rode in the Bulldog Fences lineup this season, and earned wins in each of her rides on the road. She is tied for the team-high Fences score with her pair of 83 scores at Sweet Briar College and the University of Lynchburg on Sept. 21.

The freshman Bulldog was also the only rider to earn two Most Outstanding Performer honors on that competition weekend, and in the same day. Bertozzi is the sole undefeated 'Dog in the Fences through the first three competitions.

Bertozzi is the third freshman to earn an NCEA Rider of the Month honor in the program's history and the first since Natalie Wendt (Flat) in 2016. Rachel Williams (Horsemanship) earned the honor as a freshman in 2014.

The Bulldogs were ranked No. 9 in the NCEA's October 1st weekly team rankings. Fresno State hosts its home-opening weekend this week. Big 12 competition begins for the Bulldogs on Friday as they go head-to-head with No. 7 TCU at the Student Horse Center. The Bulldogs will host No. 2 Texas A&M on Saturday to close out the home opening weekend.

Riding on Friday is set to begin at 10 a.m. PT and 11 a.m. PT on Saturday. Parking and admission to the Student Horse Center are free.

Previous NCEA Rider of the Month awards
2018-19: Alexandra Dirickson (March - Flat)
2017-18: Paige Barton (September - Reining)
2016-17: Natalie Wendt (October - Flat) and Taylor Brown (October - Horsemanship/September - Reining)
2015-16: Taylor Brown (February - Reining) and Sierra Swaffar (October - Flat)
2014-15: Rachel Williams (September - Horsemanship) and Taylor Brown (September - Reining)

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Fresno State Athletics

Bertozzi named NCEA Fences Rider of the Month

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Ana Bertozzi

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