Scoresheet

DALLAS (SMU) – The No. 5 SMU Equestrian team rallied in the second half to take down No. 5 Oklahoma State in its home opener on Saturday afternoon at the Dallas Equestrian Center. 
 
"It was a great effort for our home opener," said Head Coach Carol Gwin. "We have 16 newcomers between freshmen and transfers, and they all stepped up to help the meet run smoothly. The Flat team rose to the occasion at a pivotal time, helping us swing the momentum. Oklahoma State also rode very well and we are happy to come out with the win."

Katy Merchant (Flat) and Nya Kearns (Horsemanship) were named Most Outstanding Players (MOP). 

The meet began with Fences and Horsemanship occurring simultaneously. 

Hannah Hoch got the Mustangs' first point of the day, scoring an 88 in Fences to defeat Oklahoma State's Grace McReynolds. Augusta Iwasaki picked up SMU's second point after posting an event-high score of 89. 

In Horsemanship, Caroline Nielson took down Oklahoma State's Lauren Pursley 74.5-71 and Nya Kearns' 75.5 beat Claire McDowall's 74 on the way to securing her first MOP of the season. Lily Anderson tied Oklahoma State's Peyton Baxter at 70 on a Horsemanship re-ride, sending SMU into the break with four team points. 

SMU's Flat and Reining squads rallied the Mustangs in the second half of the meet. 

The Mustangs scored four points on the Flat take back the lead from the Cowgirls starting with Katy Merchant's 90-86 win over Oklahoma State's Sydney North. Emma Engel posted the Mustangs' top score on the Flat, winning 92-77. Engel's score was followed by victories from Hensley Humphries (85-80) and Taylor Madden (84-79). 

The Mustangs scored two points in Reining. Shelby Clausen struck first with a 71-69.5 victory over Tristian Bagby. Taylor Zimmerman defeated Abby Budd 69.5-68.5 to help seal an SMU victory.
 
SMU is back in action on Thursday, Oct. 26 against Texas A&M at the Dallas Equestrian Center.