No. 9 Fresno State rides past No. 2 Texas A&M, 11-9

Saturday, October 5

Fresno, CA

11:00 AM PT

Fresno State

No. 2 Texas A&M

Photo by: Keith Kountz

No. 9 Fresno State rides past No. 2 Texas A&M, 11-9

10/5/2019 7:00:00 PM | Equestrian

Updated Season Stats Final Scoresheet

The Bulldogs defeat the Aggies for the first time in program history

By: Savannah Stoeckle / Communications Assistant

FRESNO, Calif. - It was an exciting day at the Student Horse Center as the No. 9 Fresno State equestrian team defeated No. 2 Texas A&M for the first time in program history on Saturday afternoon, 11-9. The Bulldogs move to 1-2 on the season.

"Today was a big day," Fresno State equestrian head coach Eric Hubbard said. "It spoke a lot to this young team and their ability to bounce back from a loss and ride so strong against the No. 2 team. The energy going into the second half propelled us to the win. It is great to make school history and we cannot wait to see what's ahead."

Three 'Dogs earned Most Outstanding Performer honors in the matchup with the Aggies. Freshman Ana Bertozzi earned her third Fences MOP of the season with a season-high 86 to her opponent's 82. Senior Nicole Campbell earned the Horsemanship MOP with a 74-72 ride. Senior Paige Barton earned her first Reining MOP of the season with a 69-67.5 showing in the event.

How it happened
Fresno State was off to a good start in the Fences, taking the event 3-2. Bertozzi earned the first point in for the Bulldogs and senior Erica Rosinski picked up her second Fences point of the season with a 78-68 point ride. Sophomore Cecily Hayes earned the final point for the 'Dogs with an 80 to Texas A&M's 0.

The Bulldogs hung with the Aggies in the Horsemanship, but were edged 3-2. Campbell earned her point and sophomore Brooklyn Moch earned the next point with a 72 to her A&M opponent's 70.

At the intermission, the event was knotted up at 5 apiece.

Fresno State scored the first two points in the Flat, but Texas A&M prevailed and closed out the event with three points to take another 3-2 win in the Jumping Seat arena. Rosinski earned her third Flat point of the season with an 81 to her opponent's 80 and Bertozzi earned the Bulldogs' final point with a 78-71 win.

Texas A&M had a 8-7 lead in the meet with one event remaining. Sophomore Lexee Padrick got the scoring started for the 'Dogs in the Reining with a 69.5-68 ride to tie the meet again. The scoring continued for the Bulldogs when Barton earned her MOP point shortly after. Texas A&M's Courtney Yohey edged freshman Julianne Kelley 70-69.5 to earn a point for the Aggies and tie the meet again. With two rides remaining, things came down to the wire. Freshman Bailey Alexander had to beat the Aggie 69 to earn her point. The Bulldog freshman scored a 69.5 to earn the point and give the 'Dogs the lead. Texas A&M's Shelby Reine scored a 65.5 to Bulldog senior Shea Gilson's 68 and the Bulldogs secured the final point of the meet to earn a 11-9 victory.

Notable

The Bulldogs earned their most Reining points of the season (4).
The Bulldogs won their most Fences points of the season (3).
Fresno State defeated Texas A&M for the first time in program history.
The last highest-ranked opponent Fresno State defeated was then-No. 1 Baylor on Feb. 17, 2017 (10-10; 1,458-1,456.5).
The last highest-ranked opponent the Bulldogs defeated by points was then No. 1 Auburn on Oct. 7, 2016 (11-5).
Lexee Padrick scored a season-high Reining score.
Ana Bertozzi scored a season-high Fences score.
Brooke Nelson's streak of consecutive Flat points ended with a 78-75 loss.
Erica Rosinski remains unbeaten in the Flat (3-0-1).

Up Next
Fresno State returns to action on Friday, Oct. 25 hosting Oklahoma State at the Student Horse Center. Riding is scheduled for 11 a.m. PT. Parking and admission are free of charge at all Fresno State equestrian home meets.

"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" - The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.

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