Equestrian - Meet Preview vs. Baylor (March 26)

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

The SMU Mustangs equestrian team hosts the No. 5 Baylor Bears Saturday, March 26
at Buck Branch Farm in Wilmer in a Hunt Seat competition.

SMU (2-8) is led by junior Jordyn Pettersen, who is 9-1 with four MVPs over fences
on the season. On the flat, SMU's leading rider is Renick Townsend who has two
MVPs this year while compiling an individual record of 4-3-3.

Baylor has posted a record of 12-3 this year and look keep their top 5 ranking.
The Bears feature Taylor Brown over fences, who is currently 11-4 with 3 MVPs.
On the flat, Baylor's top rider is Lisa Goldman with a mark of 6-4 with 3 MVPs.

The Mustangs are looking for revenge against Baylor, who beat SMU 5-2 on February 19
even though SMU scored more overall points on the day (564-561).

After the previous Baylor meet, SMU head coach Haley Schoolfield was pleased
with the growth of the Mustangs this season, "The girls made up a lot of ground
from last week, and we are very pleased with their progress."

The big question Saturday will be if SMU has gained any ground on Baylor on
the flat. In the February 19 meet, SMU equaled Baylor with a 2-2 record over
fences, while being shutout 3-0 on the flat.

Statistically, Baylor certainly holds an edge over SMU on the flat, with three
riders (Goldman, Kara Fergusson, and Taylor Brown) all ranked higher than
the leading Mustang (Townsend).

One potential point for SMU could possibly come from freshman Ramsay Hanson
if she gets a chance over fences. Hanson was just named Reserve Champion in
the Adult Hunter division at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival earlier
this month. In Varsity Equestrian competition this year, Hanson is just 2-4,
but she may have some newfound confidence after her recent award.

Prediction:

It will be difficult for SMU to close the gap on the very talented Bears, especially
in a full meet with 12 riders which will challenge the depth of the Mustangs.

If SMU can stay even with the Bears over fences, however, I look for SMU to make
up enough ground on the flat to salvage a 6-6 tie.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Good luck Saturday!

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Well, we didn't make up any ground against Baylor on the flat. They swept it 5-0.

On the bright side, SMU was 3-1 over fences!

Baylor took the meet 6-3.

Once again SMU was very close on total points - Baylor just outscored SMU 726-721.

Jordyn Pettersen improves to 10-1 over fences and also picks up her 5th MVP. What an impressive year she is having.

A definite improvement for the Mustangs and hopefully some momentum for Oklahoma State on Sunday.