YAPHANK, N.Y. - The Sacred Heart University equestrian team turned in a strong performance in its first IHSA show of the 2025–26 season, hosted by St. Joseph's University–Long Island on Sunday morning at Good Shepherd Farm. The Pioneers finished just one point shy of first place, posting 39 points to place second behind LIU (40). The narrow margin highlighted what promises to be a highly competitive season between the two programs.

Of Note:

• Senior Kylie Hwalek led the way for the Pioneers, earning first place in Open Fences and second in Open Flat to secure High Point Rider of the Day honors. Hwalek tied with a Fairfield University rider before taking the title in a judge's tiebreaker.
• The Pioneers collected an impressive eight first-place finishes on the day, showcasing their strength across multiple divisions.
• Hwalek set the tone with her win in Open Fences, while Erin Phillips and Sydney Woychuk earned blue ribbons in Intermediate Fences and Intermediate Flat, respectively. 
• In Limit Fences, Ava Hufford and freshman Olivia Herfert both claimed first-place rides, with Herfert shining in her collegiate debut. The team's success continued in the Novice division, where Julia Parlapiano and Olivia Dolan each captured first-place honors to round out a dominant performance for Sacred Heart.

Individual Results:
Open Fences 
Kylie Hwalek – 1^st
Elodie Watrous – 3^rd 

Open Flat 
Kylie Hwalek – 2^nd
Carina Muratore – 2^nd
 
Intermediate Fences 
Erin Phillips – 1^st
Sofia Greene – 4^th
 
Intermediate Flat 
Sydney Woychuk – 1^st
Kayla DeStephanis – 2^nd
 
Limit Fences 
Ava Hufford – 1^st
Olivia Herfert – 1^st
 
Limit Flat 
Molly McKegney – 6^th
Norah Jackson – 2^nd
 
Novice 
Julia Parlapiano – 1^st
Olivia Dolan – 1^st
 
Up Next: 
The Pioneers are back in action on Sunday, October 12, taking part in an IHSA show hosted by Stony Brook at Old Town Equestrian in Seldon, N.Y.