After not competing for a total of 20 days since its win against No. 2 Texas A&M, the Fresno State equestrian team blew out yet another top-three ranked team in the nation.
The visiting ranked No.3 Oklahoma State University (OSU) was coming off an 11-5 victory against Baylor University. However, the Bulldogs flipped the script and upset the Cowgirls 14-5. This win against the Cowgirls would not only be the Bulldogs’ first conference win, it would be the first win against OSU since 2008.
“It proves to us, once again, that we’re where we need to be,” said equestrian head coach Eric Hubbard following the win. “That’s the biggest thing. It’s proving to ourselves we can overcome any team out there.”
Only one Bulldog would walk away with the most outstanding performer (MOP). Sophomore Cecily Hays would earn her MOP in the fences events where the Bulldogs won 4-1. Senior Erica Rosinski started off the event winning her matchup 83-81, gaining the first point for the Bulldogs. Following the point for the Bulldogs, OSU would take the second matchup 77-40. From there, the Bulldogs got red hot as Hayes, freshman Ana Bertozzi and sophomore Hanna Bieling each won their matchups.
In horsemanship, Fresno State would lose the first point in the event as OSU’s freshman Syndee Gemar won 76.5-75. But yet again, the Bulldogs would go on a hot streak as they finished the rest of the event not dropping another point. Sophomore Hannah Buijs edged her matchup 69-68.5, and senior Nicole Campbell took hers with a 76-71 score. Then sophomore Brooklyn Moch and freshman Hannah Way put the dagger in the event. The final total from the horsemanship event would be 4-1.
In the flat event, Hays took the first point with an 80-75 victory for the Bulldogs. Then the undefeated Rosinski would continue her dominance by taking her matchup 79-77, keeping her undefeated in the flat.
OSU followed up Rosinski by adding a point on their card, bringing the match to a score of 2-1. Freshman Annastasia Anstead then put the flat event out of reach by adding the third and final point from the Bulldogs with a 79-75 ride. With the Bulldogs taking the flat event 3-2, all eyes turned to the reining event.
Fresno State senior Shea Gilson and OSU junior Stephanie Helsen tied for the first ride at 67 apiece. Then the Bulldogs would take the first point with sophomore Lexee Padrick riding for a 70.5-69.5 victory. The Cowgirls would tie the event back up at one apiece following Padrick’s ride.
However, senior Paige Barton brought the lead back up to 2-1 with a victorious 70.5-69.5 ride. With the final point up for grabs, freshman Bailey Alexander would be the last Bulldog to ride in their matchup against OSU. Alexander scored a 70 in her ride and awaited OSU freshman Gentry Cherry. Cherry earned a 0 in her ride, giving the final point of the matchup to the Bulldogs.
Fresno State will now host its final home weekend in the fall against Baylor and the University of Georgia. Those matchups will happen Nov. 8-9.
