Pleasant Valley, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz IHSA team held a show at its facility Meadow Creek Farm against Centenary University, Marist College, Drew University, William Paterson University, Sarah Lawrence College, Vassar College, and United States Military Academy Saturday.
 
SUNY New Paltz had some great performances individually Saturday, but struggled to pull points together as a team, falling fifth out of the eight teams that competed. 
 
"I have definitely seen a huge improvement in the riders on our team since we first started," said Hawks coach Helaina Ricciardi. "Not only learning and understanding techniques better but overall just a lot more confident. Our goals for Centenary is to just come out feeling well prepared and ready. I hope to see the girls take this new confidence onto the away horse shows." 
The day kicked off with the over fences divisions, working from Open through to Limit Fences. First up for the Hawks was senior Katie Zacharda in Limit Fences. Zacharda had a respectable round aboard Petey and placed fourth and also punching her ticket to regionals for Limit Fences. She will now compete in Intermediate Fences next show.
 
Next up, SUNY New Paltz headed into Flat where Zacharda started the Hawks off once again.  In her Intermediate Flat, she placed fourth and rode Monkey to finish her day with two solid fourth places. Sophomore Sara Marriott competed next in the Limit Flat on Belle, and finished
seventh. Junior Frances Baldinucci was next to go in Novice Flat aboard Pie, also riding to a fourth-place finish and earning herself a spot at regionals for Novice Flat, placing her in Limit Fences and Flat next show.
 
With three riders left to show for the Hawks, sophomore Brie Costello drew Rush, Marist College's horse for her Pre Novice Flat and rode to a third-place finish. Freshman Abby Artz drew Rush again for Pre Novice Flat as well, and finished second after a great ride. Last to go for the day was sophomore Paige Parker, who drew Impy and was second in her class.
 
"Riding Rush was very interesting. I was a little nervous because of the fact that it wasn't one of our team's horses at our home show, but I was glad that I was able to try someone new. Once I got on and felt him out, I felt much more comfortable. It turned out to be a great ride and I'm really happy about that." said Artz.  "My first year on the team has presented me with wonderful opportunities that I would've never gotten anywhere else. I love how we all get along and are able to work together. It really adds to the whole experience. Our coaches are great and they have definitely helped me adjust from riding only for pleasure, to riding competitively. I am so grateful for being on this team."

Next week, the IHSA team heads to Centenary University Oct. 19 for their third show of the season, which will feature a special "Halloween Class" where the teams must have a costume and will be judged based on their group costume and awarded ribbons.The Hawks' NCEA team, meanwhile, will head to Auburn to compete against the Tigers Oct. 18.

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