LAURINBURG, N.C. – The Mount Holyoke College riding team was in action last weekend, competing in the fourth and final event in the Tournament of Champions series. The Lyons were named Reserve Champion for the entire series, finishing just behind Savannah College of Art and Design.

First-year Mollie Kowalchik started the day off with a fifth place ride in Intermediate Flat, and then followed it up with another fifth place in Open Fences on a difficult horse.  In Intermediate Fences first-year Maddy Skrak put in a beautiful course for fourth place.  First-year Illiana Termuehlen then rode in Walk-Trot, but despite good riding didn't place. 

Open Flat followed, with senior Abby Raucher riding to another fifth place for the Lyons. First-year Brina Fox rode next, coming in second place in Walk-Trot-Canter, followed by first-year Anna Rzchowski placing sixth in Novice Fences.  Finishing the day for MHC, senior Laura Von der Porten rode a difficult horse well in Novice Flat but unfortunately didn't place.

In the Tournament of Champions Medal, Skrak and senior Anne Waldo both flatted well, with Skrak being called back to jump. She had a very smooth round and placed fourth in the Medal behind several very good riders. Despite good rides from everyone, Mount Holyoke ended up just out of the ribbons for the day. 

Mount Holyoke will begin its regular season for the spring at UMass on February 21st.

The team point totals for the day are:

1st Place - Tufts University, 41 points

2nd Place - St. Andrews University Blue, 33 points

3rd Place - St. Andrews University White, 30 points

4th Place - Berry College, 28 points

5th Place - Savannah College of Art and Design, 27 points

6th Place - Virginia Tech University, 26 points

7th Place - Goucher College, 26 points

8th Place - Averett University, 21 points