Davis, Calif. — The UC Davis Aggies opened the 2022-23 Equestrian season hosting #3 ranked Texas A&M. The Ags dropped the season opening meet with a score of 5-14. Under the direction of first-year head coach Jill Humphrey, the Aggies started the day off strong in Fences as they split the event 2-2.

In Fences, Keely Laughlin and Carly Sweeney both picked up a point for UC Davis as Laughlin put together a ride score of 87 riding Capo, while Sweeney put together the Fences high on the day with an 88 riding BamBam. Texas A&M was able to split the event as Alexa Leong was also awarded the MOP award for fences.

Over on the Western Arena, UC Davis also was able to put together a quality start to the meet as they nearly were edged out in Horsemanship by a score of 2-3. Even with one UC Davis disqualification, the Ags still were able to maintain a tight hold on the event behind the strong performance of Malena Palmer who notched a MOP after her score of 74.5 with her Allen as her horse. Ruby Nahum also was able to add a point for UC Davis as she was able to ride Wilson and beat her opponent by a score of 69 to 68.

Given the strong start for the Aggies, the meet seemed to be heading in the right direction, but as the day went on, the #3 ranked team in the Nation proved their worth. But not before Margaret Franke was able to steal the show as she exhibited the perfect blend of extension, connection and fluidity. So much so, that she was able to record the Flat high score of the meet with a 82 en route to a MOP in her collegiate debut.

Over the course of the meet, two Aggies in the form of Palmer and Franke were able to come away with MOPs and many other bright spots were on display in Coach Humphrey's first meet at the helm. UC Davis (0-1) will return back to action Friday, Oct. 14 as the Aggies play host to Auburn University in a meet scheduled for 11:00 AM PDT.