FRESNO, Calif. (SMU) – The No. 4 SMU equestrian team dropped Fresno State, 9-8, Friday at the Student Horse Center.

"I am so excited for our western squad today! They rode amazing," SMU head coach Carol Gwin said. "In addition the flat team came out firing. Coach McKenzie Lantz and coach Megan Southam did a great job having them prepared."
 
After losing the first point in the reining discipline to go down 7-6, SMU (6-1, 3-0 UEC) reeled off three straight points to secure the victory. Madison Steed downed Hailey Robinson, 66.5-64, before Holly Lansidel edged Taylor Dixon, 70.5-70. Jill Pfisthner posted an MOP-winning 72 to beat Shea Gilson and secure the victory for SMU.
 
Trailing 5-3 at the halfway point, SMU rallied back in the second half by winning Equitation on the Flat, 3-1, to tie the score at 6-6. The Mustangs won three consecutive points with Haley Zimmerman leading the way with her 72-71 victory over Sierra Swaffar. Mary Elizabeth Cordia toppled Natalie Wendt, 73-66, before Nora Gray earned the MOP honor after bettering Brooke Nelson, 77-72. Kirsten Ostling scored a 70 but was matched by Kylina Chalack.
 
Earlier in the day, the Mustangs fell to the Bulldogs (3-6, 3-2 UEC), 3-2, in the day's first event, Equitation over Fences. Brett Burlington tallied the first point for SMU after defeating Swaffar, 73-62. Vivian Yowan concluded the event with a 77-76 win over Paige Pastorino.
 
In Horsemanship, the Bulldogs extended their lead to 5-3 at the halfway point after a highly-contested event, 2-1. Kara Vickery won SMU's only point, 73.5-73. Haylee Schoonover and Charlotte Selby each rode to ties. Schoonover posted a personal-best 75.5 but was matched by Taeya Harle, before Selby recorded a 71.5 to draw with Julia Kelly.
 
SMU takes on No. 5 Oklahoma State Saturday to round out the Fresno Invitational. The meet is slated to begin at 12 p.m. CT/10 a.m. PT in the Student Horse Center.