'Dogs edge No. 9 Gamecocks, 10-9

FRESNO, Calif. - The No. 7 Fresno State equestrian team earned their first win of the season, defeating No. 9 South Carolina 10-9 in its home opener Friday afternoon. The Bulldogs begin the season 1-0 heading into their next meet against No. 6 TCU tomorrow.

Despite the close final score the Bulldogs shined during the meet, earning Most Outstanding Performer honors in all four categories. Three of those went to seniors Lexee Padrick, Hannah Buijs, and Cecily Hayes who earned the honors in reining, horsemanship and flat, respectively. The other went to sophomore Olivia Ferro who earned the honors in fences.

How It Happened
Fresno State began the meet with a tie in horsemanship, picking up their two points from Kameron Thorn (75.5-73) and Hannah Buijs (76.5-74.5).

The Bulldogs outperformed the Gamecocks on the fences in the second event, taking the win 3-2. They earned the victory behind several outstanding performances, including an 87-84 win from Olivia Ferro.

As both teams headed into the break, Fresno State led 5-4.

South Carolina came back in the second half of the meet, with multiple one-point victories in reining. The Gamecocks ended the event having earned a 3-2 victory to tie the meet heading into the final event.

However, with the flat as the final event, the jumping seat 'Dogs took the first three points, clinching a win despite South Carolina taking the next two points. Fresno State earned their final points due to an Ana Bertozzi 78-69 victory, a Sara Tuck 80-75.5 victory and an outstanding showing from Cecily Hayes (87.5-79).

Up Next
The Bulldogs host TCU in their second straight home meet to open the season. The Top 10 matchup is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. PT on Saturday.

"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 visit bulldogfoundation.org.

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'Dogs edge No. 9 Gamecocks, 10-9

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Players Mentioned

Ana Bertozzi

Hannah Buijs

Olivia Ferro

Cecily Hayes

Lexee Padrick

Kameron Thorn

Sara Tuck

Fresno State Athletics