Equestrian Jumps to No. 2 in Coaches Poll
2/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Equestrian
Feb. 10, 2009
WACO, Texas - Coming off of four consecutive wins, the Baylor equestrian team moves up to the No. 2 spot in the Women's Intercollegiate Equestrian National Coaches Poll. The Lady Bears most recent victory was against previously ranked No. 2 Texas A&M, 13-10.
"This is a new position for us, because we are usually in the chase and now we are heading to Championships being chased," head coach Ellen White said. "Our challenge will be to stay focused and work to improve each week and not to feel that we are that good and don't have to continue improving."
The defending national champion, Georgia, pushed past Auburn for the top spot after its defeat over Fresno State (9-7) and New Mexico State (9-5). The Bulldogs received 78 points, a mere four above No. 2 Baylor, which jumped two positions in the poll.
The Auburn Tigers have held the No. 1 spot since Oct. 14, but fell to third place with 68 points. South Carolina ended Auburn's undefeated streak with a 10-8 win on Feb. 7, moving them up to sixth place with 49 points.
Texas A&M fell to fourth place after three consecutive losses, including two to Baylor and the other to South Carolina. Oklahoma State remains in fifth place with 50 points.
Texas Christian is just one point behind South Carolina, putting them at seventh place. Kansas State moved to eighth place with 25 points, while New Mexico State moved to ninth place with 18 points. Fresno State finishes the top 10 with 15 points.
The collegiate coaches competing under the Varsity Equestrian Championship umbrella initiated the national poll. The final poll of the season will be released April 21, 2009.
Women's Intercollegiate Equestrian National Coaches Poll
(Feb. 10, 2009)
Rank Team (Points)
1. Georgia (78)
2. Baylor (74)
3. Auburn (68)
4. Texas A&M (65)
5. Oklahoma State (50)
6. South Carolina (49)
7. TCU (48)
8. Kansas State (25)
9. New Mexico State (18)
10. Fresno State (15)
Also receiving votes: Delaware State (3), South Dakota State (1), Tennessee-Martin (1)
