ASHAWAY, R.I. – It was another hard-earned victory for the Mount Holyoke College riding team, who competed at the University of Rhode Island Invitational on Saturday. The event, which featured just three teams, gave the Lyons a solid look at competitors they will face in April's Zone 1 Finals.

Senior Mollie Kowalchik was the first rider in the ring for MHC, with a great round for sixth place in Open Fences. Classmate Maddy Skrak followed with a tactful ride on a sassy mare to finish fifth. Intermediate Fences was next with fellow senior Anna Rzchowski putting in a stunning course to earn the first blue ribbon of the day for MHC. First-year Sara Hearn finished right behind her in second place with a beautiful round.

Novice Fences followed with senior Sabrina Fox putting in a lovely round to finish second. Sophomore Indra Rapinchuk-Souccar also put in a strong round to earn fourth place. The last jumping rounds of the day included the fences phase of the medal class. Junior Emma Recchi and sophomore Emy McLaughlin both delivered wonderful rounds.

The flat phase of the Medal started off the flats. Recchi and McLaughlin again had solid rides, finishing second and sixth, respectively, in the competitive class. Open Flat followed with Kowalchik putting in a stellar ride for the blue ribbon. Sophomore Franny Eremeeva finished fourth with a solid ride.

Fox and Rzchowski were next in Intermediate Flat. Fox put in an outstanding ride on a green horse to earn sixth. Rzchowski had a great ride, earning fifth place.

Novice Flat was next with fellow first-year Libby Sams joining Hearn in the ring. Hearn had an impressive ride to finish second and Sams had a fantastic ride for fourth.

Next up was Walk Trot Canter, with sophomore Sarah Etzel delivering a gorgeous ride for second place. First-year Sinead O'Sullivan also had an excellent ride to finish right behind in third. Beginner Walk Trot Canter followed, with first-year Nora Cyra putting forth a stellar ride for another first place finish for MHC. Classmate Sabrina Talir had a great ride on an adorable pony to earn third.

The day finished with a one-two finish for Mount Holyoke in Walk Trot. Sophomore Honami Tanaka had a flawless ride for the blue and junior Jessica Feng finished right behind her with a marvelous ride.

In the end, Mount Holyoke finished on top with 32 points. Boston University was second with 28 points and University of Rhode Island was third with 24 points.

The Lyons return to regular season shows on February 24th at Stoneleigh-Burnham School hosted by Smith College.