UT MARTIN RANKED 10TH IN FINAL NCEA EQUESTRIAN POLL OF FALL SEASON
12/5/2023 3:00:00 PM | Equestrian
WACO, Texas – The National Collegiate Equestrian Association revealed its last top-10 set of rankings for the fall semester today as the University of Tennessee at Martin claimed the 10th spot.
Today's poll marks the 11th time in 11 chances that the Skyhawks have been ranked 10th during the 2023-24 campaign.
UT Martin head coach Kim Leiter has presided over a successful fall season as UT Martin piled up 59 head-to-head victories (17 reining, 16 fences, 13 flat, 13 horsemanship). That includes a dozen MOP performances, led by five in reining (followed by three in fences, two in flat and two in horsemanship).
The Skyhawks' reining attack was paced by Emma Schaefer, who is responsible for a team-high five victories and two MOP's. Lexi Bailey tied Schaefer with two MOP's while boasting a team-best 69.6 scoring average.
In fences, Sydney Hott accounts for team-highs in wins (five) and scoring average (81.2). She is joined by Elizabeth Becker and Gabby Adams as UT Martin representatives to capture a MOP medal in that event.
Sophia Sundem has tallied team-highs in victories (five) and scoring average (80.0) so far in flat in 2023-24. She and Hott have each earned a MOP during the fall season in that event.
The Skyhawk trio of Schaefer, Bailey and Mia McAfoos are tied for the team lead with three horsemanship wins. Schaefer paces the squad with a 73.0 scoring average while she and Ava Newsom have each nabbed MOP's.
Today's rankings did not change from the Nov. 21 edition. TCU retained the No. 1 spot and was followed by No. 2 Texas A&M, No. 3 SMU, No. 4 Auburn, No. 5 Georgia, No. 6 South Carolina, No. 7 Oklahoma State, No. 8 Delaware State, No. 9 UC Davis and No. 10 UT Martin.
A pair of home meets open the Skyhawks' spring schedule as UT Martin will host Delaware State on Feb. 9 and No. 9 UC Davis on Feb. 10 at the Ned McWherter Agricultural Complex.
