RESULTS

DALLAS (SMU) - The SMU equestrian team upset No. 8 Texas A&M 13-7 in its home opener Saturday at the Sleepy P Ranch. The Mustangs (2-2) took hunt seat, 6-4, and western, 7-3, to stun the in-state rival Aggies (1-1). In total raw points, SMU held a 1403-1373.5 edge over the Aggies.

"This was a huge win for us," first-year head coach Carol Gwin said. "We did very well in both hunt seat and western. There were a few mistakes but we were good enough to beat a talented Texas A&M squad. I'm really excited for the team and how hard they worked for this win."

The day began on a strong note with the Mustangs claiming equitation over fences 4-1. Alex Butterworth highlighted the SMU riders with her 84-76 victory over Leah Chenelle, which earned her Most Outstanding Player for the event. Other points for SMU came from Schaefer Raposa (80), Sylvia de Toledo (70) and Alli Toffolon (69).

"Alex had a terrific ride," Gwin complimented. "Schaefer was a superstar and took care of business. Alli got her first collegiate point for SMU and I know there will be plenty more from her during her career. Great performance from all of them."

Texas A&M took equitation on the flat 3-2 behind an MOP ride from Anna Rea. de Toledo (77) and Greer Hindle (68) scored the two Mustang points. At the half, SMU held a 6-4 edge and a 706-698 raw point advantage.

"We earned some good points on the flat," Gwin stated. "Sylvia is always a consistent rider and she came through again. We got a senior performance from Greer and I am happy for her first point this year."

SMU extended its lead 9-6 after the break by claiming horsemanship 3-2. Hannah McCain and Kristen Schramm each posted a 72.5 for their victories over Logan Pluhar and Rachel Lucht. Morgan Redwine brought home the other Mustang point by scoring a 70.5.

"The western team came out blazing," Gwin said. "This was a major step to win both horsemanship and reining. Everyone rode very smart and did a great job of using our horses to our advantage. This group continues to get stronger and stronger, which will make us a very tough team to beat."

The Mustangs sealed the upset by taking the first two points in reining. Keagan Snively (67.5) and Jaclyn White (69) were the two behind the clinching points. Overall, SMU took reining 4-1 with the remaining points coming from McCain (67.5) and Redwine (70.5).

"As I have said all along, this group just works hard," Gwin said. "This is another example of what putting in the effort can get you. Our schedule does not ease up and the next step for us is to knock off the top team in the country. We have to get better but I know this team will continue to push."

SMU is back in action on Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. when defending NCEA National Champion Georgia visits Sleepy P Ranch.