Baylor

Western Team Splits Day One of VENC

Equestrian 4/14/2011 12:00:00 AM

April 14, 2011

Western Rd 1 Results | Western Rd 1 Bye Results | Photo Gallery

WACO, Texas - The No. 8 seeded Baylor Western team opened in fine fashion, dismissing No. 9 seed New Mexico State, 6-2 in first round action before falling to No. 1 seed, Texas A&M, 7-1 on day one of the Varsity Equestrian National Championships at Extraco Events Center in Waco.

"I thought they rode great against New Mexico," head coach Ellen White said. "They rode really smart and were very well-prepared."

The Bears cleaned up in Reining, winning all four points for the 4-0 lead. Barbara Aitken led off with a 138.5-124.5 victory. She was followed by Katrina Buss (137-132.5), Amber Mooney (140-131.5) and Olivia Rogers (136.5-128.5) who all totaled points for BU.

Baylor followed up with a 2-1 win in Horsemanship, led by Meghan Murphy's team-high 152. Blair Bergesson added the second point for the Bears with a 144-135.5 victory.

The Bears fell to No. 1 Texas A&M in the nightcap, as Baylor had the tables turned, falling 4-0 in Reining. The Bears picked up their lone point of the night in Horsemanship, as Blair Bergeson posted a 146-143 victory.

"If you leave the door open for A&M, they bust right through it," White said. "I think we learned some valuable lessons tonight that we can use for tomorrow."

Baylor's No. 3 seed Hunter Seat team will compete against No. 6 South Carolina beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the first round bye, while Western takes on No. 5 South Carolina starting at 12:30 p.m. in the consolation bracket. Admission to the VENC at Extraco Events Center is free and open to the public.