Sacred Heart
IHSA Regional Zone Championship
Equestrian Advances Four to IHSA Zone Championship
3/31/2026 11:32:00 AM | Equestrian
Kylie Hwalek leads the charge with double victories and Cacchione Cup Reserve Champion honors
FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University equestrian team delivered a strong showing at the IHSA Regional Zone Championship on Sunday, as eight Pioneers competed for a chance to advance to the upcoming IHSA Zone Championship, set for Saturday, April 4.
Leading the way for Sacred Heart was Kylie Hwalek, who turned in a dominant performance in the open division. Hwalek captured first place in both Open Fences and Open Flat to secure her spot at Zones, while also earning Reserve Champion honors for the Region Cacchione Cup.
Sophia Poling also punched her ticket to Zones with a first-place finish in Limit Fences, while adding a third-place ride in Limit Flat. Isabella Ruisi joined her in advancing, placing second in Limit Fences and fourth in Limit Flat.
Norah Jackson rounded out the group of qualifiers with a first-place finish in Limit Flat, earning her spot in the next round of competition.
Emily Belies competed in Intermediate Flat and earned a fourth-place finish, while Ava Hufford placed third in Limit Fences. Harley Jimenez added a fifth-place finish in Limit Flat and sixth in Limit Fences, and Morgan McCrave rounded out the Pioneers' efforts with a fifth-place finish in Novice Flat.
