Blytheville, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg equestrian team fell in its season debut Friday afternoon against South Carolina.
The two-time defending National Collegiate Equestrian Association single-discipline national champions were on the road against the dual-discipline Gamecocks. The Hornets posted a pair of scores in the 80s but fell 7-0.
Beginning on the flat, Kelley McCormick rode Barnaby for Lynchburg's first ride of the 2023-24 season scoring a 72.
Lucy Metzler posted Lynchburg's highest score on the flat, a 79 on Murphy, but South Carolina took all four points in the opening session.
Fallyn Belcastro earned Lynchburg's highest score of the day with an 84 on Schnitzel over fences, and Brynley Smith tied her opponent while riding Joe.
However, South Carolina secured the victory with the fifth point of the day after Mackenna Moss lost out while riding Dento.
The Hornets are the No. 1-ranked team in the single-discipline poll, and they take on their first single-discipline opponent on the road in their next NCEA meet. The Hornets take on No. 4 Dartmouth on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 10 a.m.
RELATED: NCEA Week 1 Rankings
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--LYN--