SYRACUSE, N.Y. - It was an outstanding day as the Mount Holyoke College riding team saw three student-athletes in action at the 2019 IHSA National Championships, hosted at the New York State Fair Expo Center. Highlighting day one was sophomore Sara Hearn, who won her second National Championship title in as many years.

Hearn (Tallahassee, Fla./Leon) competed in Individual Intermediate Equitation Over Fences, earning the top overall score of 82 in the class. The top three riders were brought back for testing, which saw Hearn excel as she completed her test perfectly to earn top honors. Last season as a first year, Hearn won her first national title in Collegiate Cup Intermediate Equitation Over Fences.

Also in action on Thursday was sophomore Libby Sams (Atlanta, Ga./Pace Academy), who competed in Individual Novice Equitation on the Flat. Sams had an outstanding effort, earning Honorable Mention in the class. Finally, junior Sarah Etzel (Northampton, Mass./Northampton) was in action in Individual Walk-Trot-Canter Equitation. She impressed the judges, earning the ribbon for ninth overall in the competitive class.

Friday's action will begin at 8am with senior Emma Recchi (Newfane, Vt./Leland and Grey Union) competing in the USEF/Cacchione Cup Over Fences - which will be the second class of the day. She will also compete on the Flat soon after that class. Also in action will be junior Honami Tanaka (Fukuoka City, Japan/Chikushi Jogakuen Senior) in the Individual Walk-Trot Equitation.

To follow along with all the action, click HERE. Results can also be found HERE.

Cover photo courtesy of Amie Canfield, MHC Associate Director of Athletics, Communications.