Equestrian falls short in Big 12 championships

Ana+Bertozzi+competes+in+the+jumping+seat+event+for+the+Bulldogs.+

Courtesy of Fresno State Athletics

Ana Bertozzi competes in the jumping seat event for the Bulldogs.

By Dylan Gonzales, Reporter

The Fresno State equestrian team entered the Big 12 Championship in Stillwater, Oklahoma, as the third seed. However, the team lost both of its meets against the second seed TCU, score, and Baylor, score. 

Against the Horned Frogs, Bulldog Emily Maul earned the only point for the ‘Dogs in that event, outscoring her opponent 218-207.5. 

Sara Tuck earned another point for the Bulldogs after outscoring her opponent, 218-213. Julianne Kelly won in the reining event, 213-210. 

Two Bulldogs came out victorious in fences. Ana Bertozzi won 264-254, and Taylor Holstead won 234-224. 

After losing 15-5, the ‘Dogs dropped to the consolation round, where they faced the fourth seeded Baylor Bears. 

Once again, Tuck won her event. The 240-233 win extended her winning streak to six meets. 

Fresno State won two events in the reining. Ashley Jackson won, 208-205, and Brogan Hill won, 208.5-204, after a re-ride. 

Bertozzi won, 250-239, and had the highest score for the Bulldogs in the fences.

Following the championships, Tuck was named to the All-Big 12 flat team. She had a 7-4-1 record in the event, leading the Bulldogs in wins??. Tuck was the fourth Bulldog all-time to be named to the All Big 12 team in the flats, joining Bertozzi who was named to the team in 2021. 

After the two losses, the Bulldogs record dropped to 3-9.

The ‘Dogs will have a few weeks off before heading to Ocala, Florida for the NCEA National Championship on April 13-15.