RUSTBURG, Va.—The Sacred Heart University equestrian team opened the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) ECAC Championship weekend with a 7-2 victory over Dartmouth College on Thursday afternoon. Junior Macayla Sousa was the MOP in fences.

The Pioneers swept the fences competition, 5-0, with Emma Grimes, Mia Poppinga, Hanna Lloyd, Sousa, and Lilly Bove all collecting points for Sacred Heart. Sousa was named the MOP in fences with a score of 145.

Dartmouth was able to collect the first two points in flat competition, but the Pioneers were able to secure two more of their own from Lloyd and Raegan Olson. With the two points, Sacred Heart was able to extend its lead for the 7-2 final.

#4 Sacred Heart will continue the NCEA ECAC Championship tomorrow, March 24, as they will take on #1, the University of Lynchburg.