BROOKINGS, S.D. (SMU) – The No. 8 SMU equestrian team beat South Dakota State, 8-8 (1576.75-1567.25), Saturday at the DeHaan Equestrian Center.

"I am very happy with this team overall," SMU head coach Carol Gwin said. "We fell behind early in the day after the over fences portion and battled back to win. South Dakota State ran a great meet and they rode well, however, our girls showed a good deal of grit to get the win."

After falling behind 3-0, the Mustangs (6-5, 4-1 UEC) claimed horsemanship 3-1 to cut its deficit to one, 4-3, going into the intermission. Hannah McCain beat Jordan Gates, 74-72, to open scoring, before Morgan Redwine posted a 72-67.5 win against Angela Lopez. Ashley Mauney won her fifth point of the year and claimed the discipline for SMU with a 73-71.5 win over Kelsey Swainston.

SMU tied the meet at 6-6 following a 3-2 win in equitation on the flat. Sylvia de Toledo knocked off Natalie Howard, 76-73, before freshman Vivian Yowan posted a convincing 83-76 win over Jacey Chorlton. Senior Leina King defeated Jessica Andronowitz, 89-80, and was named MOP for her performance. King is now 5-1 this season.

In reining, Jaclyn White earned her fifth victory of the season, scoring a 68.5 to better Catelyn Hall's 67. Junior Keagan Snively was named MOP in Reining with a 71.5-71 win over Mariah Wright. The Winter Haven, Fla., native leads the reiners with eight wins and four MOPs.

Up next, SMU will head to Dover, Del., to compete in the United Equestrian Conference Tournament. The two-day event starts Friday, March 24. For more information, visit SMUMustangs.com.