SMU defeats Texas A&M in convincing fashion

The SMU equestrian team received a big confidence boost this past weekend with a strong victory over Texas A&M at BuckBranch Farm in Wilmer.

The match was the second out of a four-match home stretch that the Mustangs are currently enjoying. So far this season, SMU is undefeated at home, scoring victories against Tennessee-Martin and A&M. During the fall, the Mustangs only competed once at home when they won against Oklahoma State University.

SMU leaped into the lead in the first event, Equitation over Fences. The Mustangs shut out the Aggies completely, defeating them one after another for all possible six points. Overall, SMU outscored Texas A&M by over a hundred points, 437–322.

In Equitation, the Aggies struck first, claiming the first two points in hopes of a comeback. However, freshman Danielle Gersh assured SMU a victory with a win over Brittany Dodson, 74-72. The Mustangs went on to win two more points, with senior Maia Van Dyke claiming the final point.

Sophomore Emily Gardner, in her first event of the spring season, won MVP honors by defeating Brooke Coleman of A&M, 85-81. Coleman’s 81 points was the highest score for the Aggies, but it was not enough against Gardner, whose 85 points led all riders.