AMHERST, Mass. – The Mount Holyoke College riding team was back in action on Sunday, competing at the UMass Show, hosted by Amherst and Muddy Brook Farm. The Lyons posted 34 points to hold off Smith College for High Point Collegiate honors, marking their fourth straight high point title of the regular season.
The day started with Open Fences as seniors Rachael Fulop and Emma Recchi made beautiful trips to finish fourth and reserve, respectively. Intermediate Fences followed the ring with senior Lily DeBenedictis and junior Indra Rapinchuk-Souccar as both had wonderful rides to place one-two.
Next up were two sections of Novice Fences. In the first section, sophomore Libby Sams had a lovely ride for fourth, while the second section saw first year Kristina Lester delivered a strong round to secure a third place finish.
Lyons assistant coach and UConn alum Tara Mathews wrapped up the jumping portion of the day with a stunning round for third in Alumni Fences. She returned to the ring after flat schooling to deliver another strong ride to earn a blue ribbon in Alumni Flat.
Action then moved to Open Flat as Recchi returned to the ring and had a lovely ride for fourth. Three sections of Novice Flat entered the ring next. The first section saw first years Ana Earle and Sierra Dunn with nice rides to post fourth and reserve, respectively. In the second section, first year Piper Lacy had a solid ride to finish in first place, while the last section saw Sams return to take the blue ribbon with a solid ride.
Riders returned to the ring for Intermediate Flat with two splits. In the first section, Fulop delivered a stunning ride for fifth. The second section saw Rapinchuk-Souccar return to the ring with another strong ride to finish second. Beginner Walk-Trot-Canter was next as first year Hannah Brown finished her class in first place with a beautiful ride. Junior Sesil Lee followed the ring with another beautiful ride for another first place finish.
The ring moved onto the Walk-Trot division as senior Jessica Feng led off the first section with a nice ride for second. She was followed in the next section by sophomore Charcy Fan, who rode beautifully for another blue. The last class of the day was Advanced Walk-Trot-Canter, where sophomore Sabrina Talir had a solid ride for second place.
At the end of the day, Rapinchul-Souccar was named the Intermediate High Point Rider. Mount Holyoke was named the High Point College with 34 points, followed by Smith College with 31 points.
Additionally, Lee for qualifying out of Beginner into Advanced Walk-Trot-Canter with her ride today.
Overall Team Results:
Mount Holyoke - 34 points
Smith - 31 points
UMass Amherst - 28 points
Worcester State University - 20 points
Springfield College - 18 points
Westfield State College - 15 points
Williams College - 13 points
Amherst College - 12 points
Hampshire College - 12 points
Bennington College - 7 points
The Lyons continue their regular season slate next weekend with a Sunday show at Worcester State University.
Show recap courtesy of Lyons rider, Honami Tanaka. Photos courtesy of MHC Riding.
