Results

WACO - The SMU equestrian team was eliminated from the 2015 National Collegiate Equestrian Association Championship by Kansas State at the Extraco Events Center on Friday. The Mustangs held a 4-3 advantage midway through the meet but would fall 10-5 to the Wildcats.

"We had a great start but we are disappointed we did not get past the first round," head coach Carol Gwin said. "We met a lot of our goals this year and going to nationals was one of the big ones. We look and act like we belong with the top teams in the country. This team has a lot to be proud of this year."

SMU began the day by taking two points in reining. Keagan Snively had the first with a 141 ride. Her opponent, Brynn Critcher, scored a 135.5. Jaclyn White was responsible for the second point, a 129.5-125 victory over Jessica Johns.

"I was thrilled with the reining squad," Gwin said. "They beat up on a very good Kansas State team. They improved so much from the start of the year. The flat group rode well for us too."

Equitation on the flat followed where the Ponies had the two highest scores, which resulted in two more points. Sylvia de Toledo (162) and Schaefer Raposa (160) each won their respective head-to-head matchup by 15 points. de Toledo's was against Christina Martinelli (147) while Raposa's was over Madison Wayda (145).

Kansas State began its comeback in horsemanship where the Wildcats won the discipline 3-1. The Mustangs lone point came from White, her second of the meet. Her 126.5 bettered Sydney Anson's 118.5.

The Wildcats sealed the meet by sweeping over fences. Alex Butterworth (153), Emma Roberts (155), Raposa (157) and de Toledo (156) all had valiant efforts that came up just shy of their opponents.

"I am not sure what happened to us the second half of the meet," Gwin said. "I don't think we lost focus or were tired. We were not able to carry the momentum like I thought we would. I think this will be a valuable learning lesson."

SMU finished its first season under Gwin at 7-8 with victories over four ranked opponents. The Mustangs were ranked for the majority of the season and were as high as No. 5 in the national poll.

Quotes
Senior Emma Roberts:
"I think we became a team this year because we were united. It was really great to see everyone come together. In the past we have been somewhat divided, so it was a nice transition for the program. I think this will continue to get stronger and stronger."

"I am feeling a little emotional because this was my last nationals. A better outcome would have been nice but it has been a great experience at SMU. I will miss traveling with the team and building memories while competing in a sport I love."