Blacksburg, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg equestrian squad are the IHSA Zone 4 Champions! The IHSA group are now set to head to IHSA Nationals at Tryon International in Mill Spring, N.C. from May 2 through May 4.

The Hornets claimed their first IHSA Zone Championship title in program history! Lynchburg earned the title with a total of 47 points, nine more than Sweet Briar and Emory & Henry, who tied for second place.

In individual events, Elle Nutting highlighted Hornet performers and secured third in Intermediate Fences. Lucy Metzler earned a strong fourth-place finish in Open Flat, while Ava Jackson rounded out the individual success with a fifth-place finish in Limit Flat.

In team competition, Lynchburg riders were dominant across the board. Metzler claimed first in the team Open Flat, and Fallyn Belcastro added another win with first in the team Open Fences. Alexandria Russell found success in both of her events and showcased her versatility by earning first in the team Intermediate Fences and second in the team Intermediate Flat.

Jackson added to her accomplishments with a first in the team Limit Fences and Jessica McElhaney placed third in the team Limit Flat. Clair Humphreys captured first in the team Novice Flat, while Sophia Schorr earned fourth place in the team Introductory Flat.

Lynchburg will hope to continue its success in one of the program's best IHSA campaigns in school history at IHSA Nationals next month. More information about IHSA Nationals will be posted on the Lynchburg equestrian Instagram page and on lynchburgsports.com as we approached the event.

Visit Lynchburg athletics' home online, LynchburgSports.com, anytime for up-to-the-minute news on all Hornets sports and coverage from the Lynchburg Hornets Sports Network.

Sign up here to receive Lynchburg Sports news in your email inbox.

Give Lynchburg Athletics a like on Facebook, and follow Lynchburg Athletics on Instagram and X.