Sept. 21, 2012
WACO - The No. 6 Baylor Equestrian team opened its 2012-13 season at the fifth-annual Willis Invitational on Friday afternoon with a 12-4 victory over Miami (Ohio)/Ohio State at the Willis Family Equestrian Center.
"It was the best of times and it was the worst of times," head coach Ellen White. "We started out a little sticky, but then they picked it up really well after. Overall I am very pleased with the way our horses have all been going and our riders have all been going."
The meet began with a 3-1 win for the Bears in fences. Samantha Schaefer's 88 earned MVP honors, with Taylor Brown (85) and Alexis Humenik (84) contributing points for the BU win.
The meet continued with a 2-2 tie in reining. Claire Edwards (70.5) earned MVP honors, with Katherine Berg (73) also earning a point for Baylor.
The Bears furthered their lead 9-3, with a 4-0 victory over Miami/Ohio State in horsemanship. Bryn Lindley's 76 earned MVP honors, with Parris Rice (75.5), Chelsea Ritmier (72.5) and Rachel Nankervis (74.5) also earning points for the win.
The first round ended with a 3-1 win for Baylor in Flat. Kim Woodsum (75), Catherine Duhring (84) and Samantha Schaefer (75) all contributed points for the 12-4 BU victory.
BU went on to compete against Delaware State in both Flat and Horsemanship during the second round of the meet.
The second round began with the Bears taking a 4-0 lead over Delaware State in flat. Sue Carol Thompson (88), Melanie Appel (91), Lindsay Otis (93) and Taylor Brown (90) all contributed points for the win.
Baylor ended the day with a 3-1 win over Delaware State in horsemanship. Mary Brown's 74 earned MVP honors, with Parris Rice (73.5) and Gillian Chant (72.5) also earning points for BU. The Bears will go into tomorrow with a 7-1 lead over the Hornets.
Fences and reining will be completed Saturday morning beginning at 9:00 a.m. Saturday's events will continue with a third round Baylor will face No.10, New Mexico State, while Miami/Ohio State take on Delaware State.
