ITHACA, N.Y. — In its first home show of the season, Cornell equestrian continued its success, finishing as the High Point team on Sunday at Oxley Equestrian Center. The team has finished in the top three in each of its five meets thus far, including two High Point finishes and two Reserve High Point marks.

"This is an incredibly hard-working, strong and versatile team," said head coach Joanna Novakovic. "I am always impressed by the way they step up the the challenges presented."
 
Senior captain Katie Smith had the Big Red's first win of the day, placing first in Open Flat and qualifying for Regionals, with junior Chelsea Huss finishing sixth in the same event. Junior Amanda Ko also rode to victory in Open Flat as senior Meridith Meyer finished third.
 
Senior Libby Drake's first-place finish in Intermediate Flat allowed her to qualify for Regionals and point up into Open Flat. In Open Fences, senior captain Tori Whitworth placed first and Meyer grabbed another third-place finish.
 
Junior Marissa Rice won Intermediate Fences, while freshman Emily Selland took first in Novice Fences with sophomore Erica Alfiero and senior Susan Rhodes both claiming second place finishes.
 
Senior Amanda Symons rode to a win in Beginner Walk Trot Canter and sophomore Sanjana Sundaram placed second in Advanced Walk Trot Canter. Sophomore Lily Zhao qualified for Regionals in Walk Trot with her first-place finish, pointing into Walk Trot Canter.
 
Rhodes also took third in Novice Flat, with junior Lauren Jaquay posting the same result. Senior Katrina Donahue's ride in Novice Fences was good for third place. Huss and junior Gabby Stephenson finished second and fifth in Open Fences, respectively. Sophomore Molly O'Shea placed fifth in Intermediate Flat.

"This weekend was truly a great team effort," said Novakovic. "The horses did their part by behaving beautifully, the riders all put in solid performances, and the whole team did a great job of helping to run the show."
 
The team concludes the fall portion of its schedule on Saturday, Nov. 21 at Alfred University. Cornell will then return to competition in the spring, beginning with a home show on Feb. 21.