The State University of New York at New Paltz IHSA team competed in its third show of the season Oct. 19 at Centenary University Equestrian Center, hosted by the United States Military Academy, while the NCEA team competed in Auburn, Alabama against Sweet Briar, falling 5-3. 
 
All eight teams from region three were present at Centenary University Equestrian Center, and it was a competitive day across the board battling for team points. Ultimately, the Hawks were once again fifth overall as a team, but by a narrow margin, leaving the door open for improvements to be made before the next competition. 
The day began with senior Katie Zacharda competing in Intermediate Fences where she rode Kacy, and finished sixth in her class. Next to go was junior Frances Baldinucci, who put in a nice round in Limit Fences on her draw, Amigo, and earned fourth. Sophomore Jillian Kahrs completed the Hawks fences trips with a fourth place as well, aboard Milo.  
 
After getting some points on the board in fences, the day transitioned into the flat classes. First to go again was Zacharda, who competed in Intermediate Flat on Big Shot, where she put in a solid flat and finished second. Next for SUNY New Paltz was Limit Flat where Baldinucci drew Harmony, and finished fifth. Kahrs returned to ring for Limit Flat as well, taking seventh on Jimmy. Sophomore Sara Marriott rode next aboard Twist and finished sixth. Pre-Novice Flat was the next division for the Hawks, where freshman Abby Artz had a great performance on Tucker and placed first.  
 
"It felt amazing to win," said Artz. "I felt that it really showed how much I had improved as a rider."
 
Sophomore Brie Costello was next to go in Pre-Novice Flat, where she took fifth aboard Petey. Last for the day was sophomore Paige Parker in Introductory Flat, where she drew Happy and finished fifth as well.  
 
"I feel like everyone rode well," said SUNY New Paltz coach Brooke Nestor. "We had a few riders stepping up to new divisions and I think they all rode well and confident in the new classes. I think Abigail stood out and really showed her riding skills. Each show she continues to get stronger and goes into the ring with a plan." 
 
The IHSA team will show next Nov. 2 at Crosswinds Equestrian Center, one of two shows remaining before the end of the season.
 
Meanwhile in Auburn, the NCEA team finished up its show weekend with its match up against the Vixens. The Hawks went 0-3 on the weekend after losing to the hosting Tigers and Texas Christian University Oct. 18.
  
Against Sweet Briar Oct. 19, senior Madeline Berg put in yet another consistent performance aboard Changoo, earning the sole flat point for SUNY New Paltz with a score of 84. Other flat scores for the Hawks consisted of freshman Brynley Smith (68), junior Elizabeth Jacoby (74), and senior Dominique Gago (73).

"I feel like the girls rode great against Sweet Briar despite the torrential downpours," said SUNY New Paltz coach Helaina Ricciardi. "We came up a little short on points, but did a great job considering the weather being such a challenge to ride in. Compared to our last meet with Sweet Briar, the girls definitely got stronger on the flat.  We still have some more work to put in but each week the team gets stronger and stronger."
 
The Hawks and Vixens split points back-and-forth in the fences classing, taking home two points a piece. Bringing home points for SUNY New Paltz was junior Katie Brantmeyer who earned an 80 on Player, and Smith on Leo with an impressive score of 82. In addition for the Hawks fences, Berg scored a 76 and junior Camryn Dluginski scored a 60.
 
"Scoring an 82 over fences was an exciting moment," said Smith "I was extremely proud of myself, and I owe all of my gratitude to Leo for being the best partner."

After their sixth show of the season, the Hawks are 1-5, with a win against University of Lynchburg. They compete next Feb. 20 at University of Tennessee at Martin.

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