Roanoke, Va. -- University of Lynchburg's equestrian team competed in the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association format twice Saturday with the regular-season finale at the Hollins IHSA and the Zone 4 Region 2 championship show.
Freshman Dakota Banks highlighted the day for the Hornets, winning the region championship over Limit Fences to qualify for the IHSA Zone 4 championships.
Two more Hornet riders showed at the regional championships Saturday. Junior Lori Ohannessian placed fourth in Open Flat and fifth in Open Fences, and freshman Hannah Hillyer took third place in Limit Flat.
The Hornets opened the day with the regular-season show, collecting eight ribbons on the day. Ohannessian was fourth in Open Flat and fifth over Open Fences. In the Intermediate division, freshman Margaret Stell rode to third on the flat, while sophomore Shannon Huth took sixth place over fences.
Hillyer and Banks both rode to third-place judgments in Limit competition, Hillyer on flat and Banks over fences. Sophomore Iris Moseley took home a blue ribbon with a win on Novice Flat, while classmate Natalie Michaels placed fifth. Senior Madison Thomas took third on Introductory Flat.
Lynchburg's IHSA team wrapped up the 2021-22 season fourth place in the regional standings for the year. Washington and Lee won the team title with show host Hollins second and Virginia Tech third. Lynchburg finished ahead of University of Virginia, Bridgewater, James Madison, Ferrum, and Roanoke in the team tally.
Banks will continue the season for the Hornets' IHSA squad at zones Saturday, April 9 at St. Andrews University in Laurinburg, N.C. with the hope of qualifying for IHSA nationals. Lynchburg has not sent a rider to the national show since Chirstina Antonucci earned a berth in 2018.
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