Oct. 10, 2009

FRESNO, Calif. - \The Dogs saw some solid performances in their first road trip of the equestrian season, but dropped a 10-6 match to TCU in a battle of two teams ranked in the Top 10.

Fresno State, ranked ninth in this week's national coaches' poll, fell to 1-1 on the season while the No. 8 Horned Frogs improved to 5-3 on the season.

The Dogs and Horned Frogs were even in English events, each team winning four matches.

Two Bulldogs, senior Lisa Wells and sophomore Kimmie Steinbuch, won MVP honors in Equitation over Fences and Equitation on the Flat, respectively.

Wells defeated Tassie Munroe with a score of 84, which tied teammate Jennifer Jory for the highest score in the competition. Holly Esbernd also picked up a win as the Dogs took three of four matches in fences.

"Lisa and Jen could have easily won co-MVP," said head coach Dr. Becky Malmo. "They both performed well. It was disappointing to lose the match but we did have some good performances. Our English girls were fabulous today, especially in the fences."

Steinbuch took Fresno State's only win on the flat, beating Callie Selcau 88-80. The Dogs three losses in the event came by a total of 10 points.

The Bulldog western team posted a win each in Western Horsemanship and Reining. Earning wins were standout freshman Christa Beezley in horsemanship, who continues to have a great start to her career. Captain Jill Tebbe defeated Ashton Mickunas 67-65.5 in reining.

"Christa Beezley had another great day," said Malmo. "She has really performed well so far this season and we are excited about that."

Two Bulldogs rode well but lost close matches. Madison Silver posted a score of 69.5 by lost by one-half a point her match against Ashley Aikman. Senior captain Keri Blackledge lost by one-point to Kolby Simonson.

FINAL RESULTS
TCU 10, Fresno State 6

Equitation on the Flat
TCU 3, Fresno State 1
Lanie Madrazo (78) lost to Minala Trimino (81)
Nicole Roworth (81) lost to Jessica Hagen (84)
Caitlin Marshall (75) lost to Victoria Lee (79)
*Kimmie Steinbuch (88) defeated Callie Selcau (80)

Equitation over Fences
Fresno State 3, TCU 1
Jennifer Jory (84) defeated Taylor Frederick(78)
Holly Elsbernd (79) defeated Lauren Quiroz (70)
*Lisa Wells (84) defeated Tassie Munroe (80)
Jessica Kissell (82) lost to Juli Skobel (83)

Western Horsemanship
TCU 3, Fresno State 1
Kelsi Fischer (66) lost to Chloe Baker (72.5)
Madison Silver (69.5) lost to Ashley Aikman (70)
Sammie Jo Stone (68.5) lost to* Lyndsi Hardin (75.5)
Christa Beezley (71) defeated Lexie Estrada (69.5)

Reining
TCU 3, Fresno State 1
Becca Barnes (65.5) lost to Carrie Von Uhlit (69.5)
Jill Tebbe (67) defeated Ashton Mickunas (65)
Keri Blackledge (64.5) lost to Kolby Simonson (65.5)
Elizabeth Thomasian (60) lost to *Chloe Baker (68.5)

*-Denotes MVP

"We are Your Team!" -Fresno State will travel to Texas A&M for a match with the Aggies Sunday morning.