March 28, 2009

WACO, Texas - No. 3 seed Oklahoma State upset the top-seeded Baylor equestrian team in the 2009 Big 12 Championship match 11-5.

"We left some places open today," head coach Ellen White said. "We had some good riding, but we had some nerves get in the way too. You can't have nerves. You have to stay steady, and we didn't do that."

The 5-3 loss in Hunter Seat drops the English record to 12-4 on the season and 5-2 when facing a Big 12 team. The Cowgirls came out strong in Equitation over Fences with three wins and Ally Blais taking her second MVP honor of the tournament in her ride against Kendra Vicary (165-156). Senior Nicole Brown had the lone point for Baylor, advancing her season record to 12 wins.

Baylor tied Oklahoma State 2-2 in Equitation on the Flat. Junior Heather Healy tallied points in her ride against Sarah Summers (159-128), while senior Cara Wilson garnered MVP honors for the second time this season (155-154).

As the competition moved into Western riding, the Cowgirls remained strong and posted another 3-1 victory in Horsemanship. Lindsey Tomko earned her second win of the tournament (140.5-139.5), and eighth this season.

Oklahoma State was named Big 12 Champions after its 3-1 victory in Reining. Freshman Amber Mooney was the only rider to score for Baylor, recording her second win of the tournament (143-140.5).

"They deserved it. They rode better than us and that's all there is to it," White said.

In other tournament action, Texas A&M took third place in the consolation bracket after a commanding 12-4 win over Kansas State.

The Lady Bears will be back in action on April 4 when they host Ohio State and Southern Methodist at the Willis Family Equestrian Center.