NORWALK, Conn. — A dominant showing in Flats proved to be the difference as the No. 4 Sacred Heart University equestrian team took home its first National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) victory of the season, defeating Bridgewater College, 7-2, on Saturday morning.  

The Pios started the morning with a close battle in the Fences portion, narrowly edging out the Eagles with a pair of top scores. Kylie Hwalek earned the first point of the show with a 63 on Ivy before SHU took home a contested second point as Macayla Sousa's 79 on Torch was just enough to outmatch a 76 from Bridgewater's Madeleine Granger. Sousa's 79 was enough to earn the "Most Oustanding Performer" honor in Fences. Emma Grimes took the last point in Fences with a tight, 79-77 win on Weston to give the Pios a 3-1 lead heading into the Flat portion of the show.  

Both squads traded points to begin the second half of the show as Hwalek put SHU on the brink of victory with a 77 on Viv before Bridgewater's Mackenzie Bingham earned the Eagles' second point of the show with a close 68-66 win on Lola. The Pios swept the remaining three points as Grimes, Mackenzie Hamilton and Carina Muratore took home wins on Foxy, Luigi and Solo, respectively. Muratore's 72 on Luigi earned her "Most Outstanding Performer" honors in the Flat portion as the Pios ultimately earned the 7-2 win to conclude the home portion of the NCEA schedule.  

Up Next: 

The Pios continue their weekend stretch on Sunday, November 5 with an Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) contest at Trinity College. More information can be found at sacredheartpioneers.com.