BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. — The eighth-ranked University of South Carolina equestrian team handed UC Davis its first loss of the season on Friday afternoon. The Gamecocks won three out of four events to best the No. 9 Aggies, 11-8.

South Carolina took an early 3-2 advantage after the completion of Flat, as UC Davis upperclassmen Marin Gilliland and Margaret Franke were point earners. 

Horsemanship proved the decisive event of the day, with South Carolina extending their lead to four points with a decisive 4-1 showing. Aggie senior Gracie Howell earned the only point for UC Davis. 

UC Davis turned in a competitive performance in Fences to start the second half of the contest. Jessie Rechs and Carly Sweeney got on the board for the visitors with 79 and 73 point rides respectively. 

The Aggies showed considerable fight in the final event of the meet, entering reining competition trailing 10-5, and exiting with a final score of 11-8. Lauren Langbaum, Macey Newkirk and Kendal Scheiner earned points for UC Davis.

UP NEXT
The Aggies will make a quick trip to Auburn, Ala. for a Saturday meet against the No. 2 Auburn Tigers equestrian team. The meet is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. PT.