BROOKINGS – Top-seeded UT Martin carried the momentum from a sweep in fences to pull away from South Dakota State in the Western events for a 14-6 victory in head-to-head competition Friday in the semifinals of the ECAC Equestrian Championship at DeHaan Equestrian Center.

Fourth-seeded SDSU began the day with a 3-2 lead after flat competition Thursday afternoon. Most Outstanding Performer Hannah Steele led the Jackrabbits with a score of 144 to win her head-to-head matchup, while Rachel Darby (143) and Samantha Hunsecker added point-producing performances.

UT Martin gained the upper hand with its sweep in fences as all five Skyhawk riders posted scores of 157 or higher. Sydney Hott paced UT Martin with a score of 164, tallying 82 points from each of the two judges en route to earning MOP honors.

Hunsecker turned in the top score for the Jackrabbits with a 158, but was edged by Julia Gilman’s 161 for the Skyhawks.

UT Martin claimed four of five points in horsemanship, then added three more points in reining to complete its victory. Paige Wellendorf was the lone Jackrabbit winner in horsemanship with a score of 146.5, while Isabelle Riggs and Cassandra Townsend were the SDSU winners in reining as both riders posted scores of 136.5

Lexi Bailey of UT Martin was named MOP in both Western events after scoring 147 in horsemanship and 142.5 in reining.

SDSU ended its season with a 4-8 record in head-to-head competition.