Ocala, Fla. -- The University of Lynchburg equestrian team battled against Dartmouth in the semifinal round of the 2025 NCEA National Championship and was edged out, 6-4, on Friday afternoon at the World Equestrian Center.

The Hornets' NCEA squad had their 2024-25 campaign come to a close at the national championship event. Lynchburg finished with two performances scored above 80 and four additional performances scored above 70, concluding with a total raw score of 725.1. The Hornets found themselves with a 4-1 deficit after the fences. Although Lynchburg claimed a 3-2 edge in the flat, it was not enough to claim victory over Dartmouth.

In the fences, Madeline Rubin claimed the lone team point for Hornets with a score of 85.3 riding Tinos. Fallyn Belcastro earned a score of 83.7 riding Asaro, but was nipped by a differential of just 2.6 by Dartmouth's Elise Stephens. Lucy Metzler claimed a score of 72 riding Chapman while her opponent, Chloe Terestchenko, earned a score of 77.3.

In the flat, Metzler (74.7 riding Celsius), Abby Zemp (73.7 riding Dento), and Emma Schweizer (76.3 riding Lionel) each snagged team points for Lynchburg and were the Hornet performers that score above 70 in the event. Belcastro was beat out by a slim margin of 1.6 by Stephens after earning a score of 66.7 riding Snookie.

Although the NCEA group has concluded its campaign, the IHSA crew will prepare for the IHSA national Championship in Tryon, N.C. at Tryon International from Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 4.

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