Equestrian Rides Strong at Spring Tournament of Champions

Saturday, March 23

Findlay, OH

TBA

Sacred Heart

Tournament Of Champions

Equestrian Rides Strong at Spring Tournament of Champions

3/25/2024 10:48:00 AM | Equestrian

Pios earn 15 podium showings as both teams take top-four finishes

By: Cameron McClarren

FINDLAY, Ohio — The Sacred Heart University equestrian team wrapped up its regular season schedule with an astounding showing Tournament of Champions Spring Classic hosted by the University of Findlay on Saturday, March 23, finishing one point behind reigning Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) National Champions, Skidmore College, en route to a second and fourth place finish.

The Pios finished the show with 15 individual medals as the Red team took a second place overall finish, while the White team earned fourth place behind the hosts. Kayla DeStephanis took top honors for the Red squad with two first place showings, grabbing the top spot in Limit Fences and Low Medal. Erin Phillips and Kelly Mecatl also took top honors with first place showings in Intermediate Flat and Intro Flat, respectively. Isabella Ruisi and Ava Flannery both had strong showings in the Flat portion as well with Ruisi grabbing second in Limit while Flannery took second in Novice.

In the Fences, the Red squad had two third place showings as Carina Muratore and Reagan Waggoner earned a podium finish in Open and Intermediate Fences, respectively. Muratore also took second place in High Medal. Eleese Shillingford had a strong showing as well for the Red contingency, placing fourth in Open Fences.

For the White team, the Flat was especially good as the Pios took two first place finishes and two second place showings. Sophia Poling, who also took second in Low Medal, took first place in the Limit Flat while Amanda Cosentino grabbed first in the Novice Flat. Morgan McCrave grabbed second for the White squad in Intro Flat while Abigail Marsh took second in the Open Flat.

In Fences, the White squad fared well as Paige Sutton grabbed the lone podium placement, taking second in Intermediate Fences while Ava Hufford and Lauren Radi showed well, earning fourth in Limit Fences and fifth in Open Fences, respectively.

In the Medal showings, Emma Grimes followed Muratore's second place honor with a fifth place showing in High Medal. Kylie Hwalek also had a good showing with a seventh place showing in High Medal. Elliana Forgione was unable to secure a podium sweep in the Low Medal following DeStephanis' and Poling's first and second place showings with a sixth-place finish.

Team Finish

Skidmore (43 points)
Sacred Heart - Red (42 points)
Findlay- Black (35 points)
Sacred Heart - White (34 points)
Purdue (29 points)
Goucher (25 points)
Findlay - Orange (23 points)
Miami (OH) (22 points)

Individual Results
Red Team
Eleese Shillingford - 4^th Open Fences
Carina Muratore – 2^nd High Medal, 3^rd Open Flat
Reagan Waggoner – 3^rd Intermediate Fences
Erin Phillips – 1^st Intermediate Flat
Kayla DeStephanis – 1^st Low Medal, 1^st Limit Fences
Isabella Ruisi – 2^nd Limit Flat
Ava Flannery – 2^nd Novice Flat
Kelly Mecatl – 1^st Intro Flat

White Team
Lauren Radi – 5^th Open Fences
Abigail Marsh – 2^nd Open Flat
Paige Sutton – 2^nd Intermediate Fences
Emily Belies – DNP Intermediate Flat
Ava Hufford – 4^th Limit Fences
Sophia Poling – 1^st Limit Flat, 2^nd Low Medal
Amanda Cosentino – 1^st Novice Flat
Morgan McCrave – 2^nd Intro Flat

Up Next:
The Pios are back in action this weekend in the IHSA format at the Zone I Region 5 Championship on Saturday, March 29 at Folly Farm in Simsbury, Conn. More information can be found at sacredheartpioneers.com.