OCALA, Fla. - No. 7 SMU fell 14-5 to No. 3 Texas A&M in the semifinal round of the 2022 NCEA National Championships on Friday, closing out the Mustangs' postseason run and 2021-22 season. SMU took down No. 2 Auburn on Thursday to become one of the final four teams remaining at the World Equestrian Center.

"Well today was not our day, but I am so proud of these ladies," head coach Carol Gwin said. "To finish out Nationals in the top four and to be back-to-back ECAC conference champions is a big deal. We thank Auburn University and all of the World Equestrian Center staff for making this year so special and we look forward to returning in future years."

The Mustangs (11-7) found trouble keeping up with the Aggies (14-4) early on as the opponents won Fences 4-1 to start the day. Freshman Elli Yeager claimed victory in her matchup thanks to an event-high score of 258. Over in the Western ring, SMU's Horsemanship team picked up two points against A&M. Senior Mallory Vroegh and junior Lily Anderson posted scores of 221.5 and 225, respectively, for the individual victories.

After trailing 7-3 coming out of the break, the Mustang Fences squad rode to win two of the five points. Freshman Hensley Humphries won the event's first point thanks to a score of 212.5. Senior Madigan Eppink wrapped up the event by claiming the last point with a 237.5-236.5 win. The Aggies clinched the victory after winning four points in Reining as SMU junior Taylor Zimmerman tied her opponent with a score of 210.5.

SMU finishes the season with an 11-7 record, including a 4-1 mark in Eastern College Athletic Conference play. The Mustangs won their fourth consecutive conference championship, and second straight ECAC title, back in March.

Nya Kearns (First-Team Horsemanship), Mallory Vroegh (First-Team Horsemanship), Taylor Madden (First-Team Flat) and Elli Yeager (Second-Team Fences) were all named NCEA Ariat All-Americans for their impressive seasons. Nine Mustangs claimed ECAC postseason honors, including two Rider of the Year honors, one Freshman Rider of the Year title and six All-Conference selections.