No. 1 Auburn opens weekend with 9-1 win over Lynchburg

AUBURN, Ala. – The No. 1 Auburn equestrian team opened its busy weekend with a strong showing against Lynchburg, winning 9-1 in a Jumping Seat only meet Friday at the Auburn University Equestrian Center.
 
"We rode pretty well overall today and had some bring in stellar rides," head coach Greg Williams said. "I like how the team is working together and coach Jessica Braswell keeps finding ways to push this group a little more each month."
 
The Tigers kicked off the meet with a 5-0 sweep in Fences. Senior Meghan Knapic improved to 4-0-0 overall in the event with an 87-56 victory. Freshman Sophee Steckbeck edged Fallyn Belcastro, 88-85, while junior Ava Stearns bested Kelley McCormick, 84-70
 
Sophomore Ellie Ferrigno earned her third Fences win of the season with 86 points in her match. Senior Emma Kurtz closed out the event with an 83-75 win to remain unbeaten at 3-0-1 on the year.
 
In Flat, Kurtz led the charge with a career-high 95.5 to win her point. Steckbeck followed with an outstanding score of 99, one point short of a perfect score. That was good for an 99-85.5 victory.
 
Freshman Anna Marie Mayes put together an 83.5-83 win and fifth-year senior Helen Ulrich capped the day with an 89.5-81 victory.

Steckbeck's performances in both Fences and Flat awarded her MOP honors, marking the first in her career in both events. 
 
Auburn returns to action Saturday as it hosts No. 7 Fresno State at 11 a.m. CT at the Auburn University Equestrian Center.
 
#1 AUBURN 9, LYNCHBURG 1
FENCES
Meghan Knapic (AU) def. Jacqi Needle (UL), 87-56
Sophee Steckbeck (AU)* def. Fallyn Belcastro (UL), 88-85
Ava Stearns (AU) def. Kelley McCormick (UL), 84-70
Ellie Ferrigno (AU) def. Lori Ohannessian (UL), 86-78
Emma Kurtz (AU) def. Emma Schweizer (UL), 83-75
 
FLAT
Taylor Herzog (UL) def. Ava Stearns (AU), 89.5-88.5
Emma Kurtz (AU) def. Emma Schweizer (UL), 95.5-82.5
Sophee Steckbeck (AU)* def. Kelley McCormick (UL), 99-85.5
Anna Marie Mayes (AU) def. Caroline Waters (UL), 83.5-83
Helen Ulrich (AU) def. Veronica Conroy (UL), 89.5-81