Rustburg, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg equestrian team hosted its IHSA show this past weekend and took the first-place title on both Saturday and Sunday.

Lynchburg grabbed the title on both days of the competition, earning 47 points on Saturday and 40 points on Sunday. Saturday's show saw eight first-place finishes across the classes for the Hornets. Lynchburg nabbed four top finishes on Sunday to help them gain 40 points and beat out Hollins (37 points) for the number one spot.

Senior Alexandria Russell was a standout performer for the Hornets, earning the high point rider of Sunday's show and the reserve high point rider on Saturday. Senior Lucy Metzler was another Hornet with an impressive showing as she claimed high point rider on Saturday.

On Saturday, Russell claimed first place in both of her events: Intermediate Fences Section B and Intermediate Flat Section A. Sunday was no different for the Ocean City, Md. native as she took the top spot in Intermediate Flat and Intermediate Fences Section B. Metzler finished in the top spot in both Open Fences Section B and Open Flat Section B on Saturday to earn the high point rider. On Sunday, she placed second in the Open Flat and fifth in the Open Fences.

The Hornets had plenty of performers show out for their home IHSA show, many at the front of their events. Freshman Jessica McElhaney was another outstanding rider for Lynchburg, earning first place in Limit Flat Section A on Saturday and Sunday, as well as a second-place finish in Limit Fences Section B on Sunday. Sophomore Clair Humphrey was another first-place finisher for Lynchburg in the Novice Flat both days, Saturday was in Section B and Sunday was Section A.

Junior Ava Jackson collected the top spot in Limit Flat Section B on Saturday. Senior Margaret Stell tabbed a first-place finish in Open Fences Section A on Saturday. Hickory, N.C. native Elle Nutting placed second in Intermediate Fences Section A on Saturday. Freshman McKenzie Burch captured second in Limit Flat Section B on Sunday. Junior Sophia Schorr in the Introductory class both days, and freshman Natalie Holdren rounded out the Hornet performers with a fourth-place finish in Novice Flat Section A on Saturday. 

The first day of weekend-long event served as the equestrian team's IHSA senior day. The graduating student-athletes honored at the show were Jenna Frazer, Elle Nutting, Bralynn Steppe, Hannah Hillyer, Margaret Stell, and Alexandria Russell. 

Next up for the Lynchburg equestrian team, the squad will split to participate in an NCEA dual meet at Sewanee and an IHSA show hosted by Hollins on Saturday, October 12.

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