Roanoke, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg equestrian team turned in an impressive performance on Saturday at Hollins University, securing the top team score of 45 to claim first place at the IHSA show.

Lynchburg's riders were consistent across the board, earning the top spot in six classes and seven points in five events. In Open Fences, Amaya Bellfield placed second in section A, while Ashlyn Barksdale rode to a fifth-place finish in section B. Bellfield continued her success with a second-place ribbon in Open Flat A.

In the Intermediate divisions, Ava Jackson and McKenzie Burch represented the Hornets over fences. Jackson took first in Intermediate Fences B while Burch took third in the A section. Jessica McElhaney took the top spot in the Intermediate Flat A, earning key points for Lynchburg. 

The Limit classes were also a success for the Hornets as McElhaney rode to victory in Limit Fences B and Ava Hogan earned first place in Limit Flat A. Mackenzie Overstreet took fourth in Limit Flat B while Adam Matejko claimed third in section C.

Lynchburg's depth continued in the Novice division as the Hornets took the top three spots in every Novice class. Barksdale secured first in the A section, while Lilley Skopak-Whiting took second in B and Holdren earned third in C. Sophia Schorr rounded out the Lynchburg performance with a first-place ride in the Introductory class.

The IHSA squad has begun its 2025-26 campaign strong with three first-place finishes and one reserve champion honor in its first four competitions. The team will be back in the ring for the Washington and Lee IHSA in Lexington, Va. on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m.

To view the complete results from today's show, click here.

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