NORTHAMPTON, Mass. – The Mount Holyoke College riding team kicked-off its regular season schedule in style on Saturday, capturing victory at the Smith College show. The Lyons put together a score of 41 points, besting the host Pioneers and UMass-Amherst by a nine-point margin. Additionally, the show marked the debut of Bennington College to the region.
First year Grace Tice ushered in the day with a good round but an unfortunate refusal to land her in sixth place for open fences. Sophomore Mollie Kowalchik and junior Bridget Finnerty rode to third and fourth place, respectively in the same class.
Intermediate fences got first years Julia Robinson and Emma Recchi into the arena for their IHSA debuts. Robinson took home the blue ribbon, and Recchi got fifth. Senior Laura Von der Porten also finished fourth on the same horse as Recchi.
Next up in the large novice fences division, junior Allee Platanitis and sophomore Anna Rzchowski both rode to first place in their respective sections. Juniors Cam Carter and Sarah Felman won matching sixth place ribbons.
In open flat, sophomore Maddy Skrak won her class. Carter and Tice each picked up a third place ribbon and Finnerty was fourth.
Our novice flat riders swept the division today with blue ribbons rides from sophomores Ellie Demmons and Mika McKinney, and senior Jackie Azelby. Sophomore Emily Holowczak also had an excellent ride for third place.
In intermediate flat, Kowalchik and first year Daisy Sears rode the same horse to fifth and sixth place, respectively. Von der Porten was third.
The day ended with some fantastic riding from walk/trot/canter and walk/trot. First year Sierra Thomas made her IHSA debut in beginner walk/trot/canter earning the blue ribbon. Sophomore Cat Lamond brought home the blue in advanced walk/trot/canter and senior Callie Schultz brought home third. Walk/trotters Alexis Holliday and Katherine Marshall-Kramer placed second in their respective sections and Wendy Ho placed first.
Overall, Mount Holyoke College finished the day with 41 points to secure the High Point College title. Smith College and UMass tied for Reserve High Point with 32 points each.
Final Standings:
Mount Holyoke College 41
Smith College and UMass 32
Amherst College 20
Williams College 17
Westfield State University 10
Springfield College and Bennington College 7
