By Ryne Rickman, UT Martin Sports Information Director
DALLAS, Texas – The No. 9 ranked University of Tennessee at Martin equestrian team began a busy week today, dropping a 16-4 decision at No. 6 SMU in its first spring meet of the 2021-22 campaign.
The Skyhawks earned a point in all four events and saw three riders make their season debuts against the Mustangs. Kelby Kane (fences), Tyler Anderson (flat), Keely Seiter (horsemanship) and Brooke Bradley (reining) each emerged victorious today for UT Martin, who won in raw scoring by a 1,425-1,418 margin despite the setback.
Kane notched her team-best seventh victory in fences with an 81-point effort, defeating her competitor by 13 points. Haley Kane accumulated 78 points while Elizabeth Becker’s 76 points were just one point shy of a win. Julia Gilman and Tyler Anderson completed the Skyhawk lineup with scores of 75 and 73 points, respectively.
In flat, Anderson collected her team-high fifth win after a 69.5-point performance. Haley Kane garnered a season-best 84.5 points but ran into some tough luck as she was up against the MOP performer with 85.5 points. Sophia Sundem made her season debut with 69 points and was followed by Kelby Kane (68.5) and Gilman (62.5).
Seiter came away with her team-best third victory in horsemanship, dialing up 67.5 points. Lexi Bailey was responsible for a team-high 72.5 points while Kate Davis (72 points) fell by a slim one-point margin. Paige Benson accounted for 71.5 points while Katelyn Schultz rounded out the UT Martin lineup with 66.5 points.
Earning her team-high third victory of the season in reining was Bradley, who generated 68.5 points. Logan Putvinski compiled a team-best 69.5 points while Davis garnered 68.5 points. A pair of Skyhawks made their season debuts in Abi Clark (66.5 points) and Natalie Armstrong (65 points).
UT Martin faces a quick turnaround as it will remain in Dallas to take on No. 7 Delaware State tomorrow. The Skyhawks then round out their three-meet road swing through Texas with a Saturday, Jan. 29 matchup against No. 10 TCU in Fort Worth.
Graphic Courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information