OSU Equestrian Wins Western National Title

The Oklahoma State Equestrian team captured its fifth overall western national championship by defeating Kansas State 6-2 Saturday evening.

Saturday, April 20th 2013, 10:41 pm

By: News 9


Oklahoma State Equestrian's western team captured its fifth overall western national championship by defeating Kansas State, 6-2, Saturday evening at the National Collegiate Equestrian Association National Championships at the Extraco Events Center in Waco, Texas.

Unlike last season, there was no last second drama, with the Cowgirls jumping out to a commanding 4-0 lead after horsemanship.

Sophomore Katy Krshka capped off her All-American season with a 145-130.5 victory, improving her season record to 18-1. All-Americans Lauren Halvorson and Lindsey McMullen did their part, securing points with Halvorson winning, 151-149, and McMullen, 151-150. Senior Marissa Dalton finished off her career today at Oklahoma State with 150-141.5 victory.

"Its kind of unreal right now," senior Dalton said. "It's great though, I never thought it would happen because we have always been told we're a great team but we could never pull it together when it mattered."

Leading 4-0, all reining had to do was win or tie one of the four remaining rides.

"We knew we just needed to ride smart and stay out of the penalty box," junior Jenna Blumer said.

Blumer would do just that, defeating her opponent, 141-140, to secure the national championship for the Cowgirls. Krshka would add to the Cowgirls point total with a 140-139 victory.

"It doesn't quite feel real yet," Krshka said. "I feel really honored to be with this group of girls to achieve this goal that we have had all year. After coming so close last year and being able to finally pull through this year means a whole lot to me."

Earlier in the day, the Cowgirls defeated the South Carolina in the semi-finals, 6-1, to advance to the championship round. With the horsemanship team winning, 2-1-1, and the reining team sweeping the Gamecocks, 4-0.

This is the Cowgirls first western national championship since the 2008 season. They also won the western national championship in the 2000,2003 and 2004 seasons.

"I am very proud of this group of girls," coach Larry Sanchez said. "They have worked hard all year and have a chemistry that is needed to win the championship."

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