No. 9 Bulldogs drop season opener at No. 7 South Carolina

BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. - The No. 9 Fresno State equestrian team opened its season at No. 7 South Carolina on Friday afternoon. The Bulldogs suffered an 11-8 loss in the meet.

After securing a one-point lead at the intermission, Fresno State lost its momentum and only scored three points in the second half. The Gamecocks used seven points through the last two events, including a 4-1 victory in the Reining, to seal their win.

Bulldog sophomore Kameron Thorn was named the Horsemanship Most Outstanding Player with a career-high 76.5 to Gabby Brassard's 72.5.

How it happened
The meet started with the Flat and Horsemanship. The Bulldogs came out firing in the Horsemanship, earning a 4-1 win in the event. Hannah Buijs, Kameron Thorn and Hannah Way each earned their points to start the event.

After a re-ride was granted, Brooklyn Moch was victorious which gave the Bulldogs a 4-1 win in the event.

In the Flat, Erica Rosinski tied in the first ride with a 73. The lone Bulldog point came from senior Brooke Nelson who outrode her opponent, 70-65.

Fresno State had a one-point lead at the half, 5-4.

South Carolina came out of the break with a 3-2 win in the Fences. Hana Bieling earned her Bulldog point with a career-high 83 to her opponent's 80. Ana Bertozzi picked up her first collegiate point with a 72 to her opponents 70.5 to round out scoring for the 'Dogs.

The Fences event gave the Gamecocks enough points to tie the meet at seven apiece going into Reining.

A tough showing in the Reining erased the chances for the 'Dogs as three zero score rides appeared on the scoresheet for Fresno State. Freshman Julianne Kelley earned her first collegiate point with a 68 to her South Carolina opponent's 67.5. Kelley's point would be all for the Bulldogs in the event.

Notes

Six freshmen rode in their collegiate debut, and three earned their first collegiate point on Friday.
Erica Rosinski set a new career-high with a 73 in the Flat.
Kameron Thorn set a new career-high with a 76.5 in the Horsemanship, besting her previous high score of 75.5 which she earned against South Carolina in 2018.
Thorn also earned her first collegiate MOP honor.
Brooke Nelson won her sixth consecutive Flat point, dating back to Oklahoma State on Mar. 9, 2019 - including her points at the NCEA Event National Championship and both appearances at the UEC Championships.

What's Next
Fresno State continues its weekend on the road, heading to Virginia for a pair of Jumper Seat only competitions against Sweet Briar College and the University of Lynchburg on Saturday. Riding is set to begin at 11 AM PT.

The Bulldogs return home to begin a five-meet homestand on Oct. 4-5 as they host No. 8 TCU and No. 2 Texas A&M at the Student Horse Center.

"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.

Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateEQ
Instagram: fresnostateeq
Facebook: FresnoStateEquestrian

No. 9 Bulldogs drop season opener at No. 7 South Carolina

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Ana Bertozzi

Hana Bieling

Hannah Buijs

Julianne Kelley

Brooklyn Moch

Brooke Nelson

Erica Rosinski

Kameron Thorn

Hannah Way

Fresno State Athletics