SPRINGTOWN, Texas – No. 5 TCU routed No. 9 Texas A&M Saturday afternoon at Turning Point Ranch, 14-6. With the win, the Horned Frogs moved to 3-0 on the season.
“I think the girls had an amazing performance today,” said TCU Director of Equestrian Haley Schoolfield. “They did really well working through a rain filled week and having to manage reduced practice time. They held their composure and pushed through.” “It’s always rewarding to beat a National Championship program and an SEC team that has historically been very strong. This definitely boosted our confidence.”
For the first time this season, TCU produced three Most Outstanding Player accolades. Two out of the three MOP awards belonged to junior standout Kaitlin Perry for her Hunt Seat performance. Returning All-America honoree Erin Gillette also garnered her first MOP honor of the season Friday in Horsemanship. Perry is the first player this season to earn two MOP’s in a game.
To begin the day, TCU handled Texas A&M with a 4-1 defeat in Equitation over Fences. Senior Caitlin Ader started the Frogs off right, boasting a 75-68 decision that earned TCU its first point. Molly Peddicord followed, upending Hannah Williams, 83-80. Kaitlin Perry earned MOP accolades for her 82-71 victory over Marlena Parker, while Nikki Diamantis’ strong outing outscored TAMU’s Shelby Lawson, 77-69.
With a dominant 4-1 performance in Equitation on the Flat, the Frogs maintained control in the meet. Diamantis downed Haley Buchmiller, 78-73, to earn TCU’s first point. Peddicord then held off Hannah Williams with a 78-68 victory, while Taylor Alexander had a solid outing defeating Megan Phillips, 68-64. Finally, Perry came out with bang scoring an 83 to top Parker’s 58. With the 83, Perry garnered her second MOP honor of the day.
The Purple and White kept the momentum going in Horsemanship, dropping the Aggies, 4-1. Erin Gillette began competition defeating Molli Jacobs, 75-73.5, which earned her first MOP accolade of the season. Megan McMullen then upended Logan Pluhar, 72-65.5. With confidence, sophomore Colby Plott rode to a 75-74 decision over Laura Brainard. To finish out the discipline, Calli Rouse put in a strong ride taking down Alyssa Soechting, 74-71.5.
TCU returns to action Friday Nov. 8 in Los Cruces, N.M. against No. 8 New Mexico State.
