Baylor Equestrian Falls Short Against Oklahoma State in Big 12 Semifinals
In a closely contested battle at the Pedigo-Hull Equestrian Center in Stillwater, the 10th-ranked Baylor equestrian team faced off against No. 6 Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship semifinals. Despite a strong showing, the Bears fell to the Cowgirls, 11-9.
Event Breakdown
The competition kicked off with the Fences event, where Baylor's senior standout Lauren Reid, an All-Big 12 Fences team member, delivered a stellar performance, outscoring her opponent 85.33 to 66.66. Senior Emma Covarrubias also shone, scoring an 83 on Cool to secure another point for Baylor. However, Oklahoma State edged out a 3-2 victory in this event.
In the Horsemanship round, junior Carley Rutledge was the sole point earner for Baylor, narrowly defeating her opponent 71.17 to 70.33 on Patrick. The Cowgirls claimed a 4-1 win in this event, pushing their lead to 7-3 by halftime.
The Bears found their stride in the Flat event, held indoors. Freshman Morgan McCarthy impressed with a 71-point ride, while Big 12 Flat Rider of the Year Lauren Reid continued her dominance, scoring 80.66.
Senior Caroline Robelen and Lauren Jorgensen also contributed to a commanding 4-1 win in this event, extending Baylor’s Flat winning streak to six meets. This effort brought the Bears within one point, trailing 8-7 as they headed into the final event.
In Reining, senior Kalena Reynolds and sophomore Britt McIlnay both delivered strong performances, scoring 70.16 and 71.17 respectively, adding two points for Baylor. However, Oklahoma State managed to clinch the event 3-2, sealing their 11-9 overall victory.
Key Takeaways
Despite the loss, Baylor showcased resilience and skill, particularly in the Flat event, where they extended their impressive winning streak. The Bears' ability to compete at a high level against top-seeded Oklahoma State highlights their potential and sets the stage for future successes.