The University of Tennessee at Martin equestrian team is set to kick off a three-meet homestand this weekend at the Ned McWherter Agricultural Complex. The No. 10 ranked Skyhawks will face Eastern College Athletic Conference rival UC Davis at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 18, followed by a matchup against No. 5 Oklahoma State at noon on Saturday, October 19.
This first meet is a rematch of the last two ECAC Championship finals, where the Aggies narrowly defeated the Skyhawks 13-7 in Rancho Murieta, California, last season, following a 10-8 victory in Brookings, South Dakota, in 2023. UT Martin has won its last two encounters against UC Davis at home, with scores of 10-8 (Feb. 10, 2024) and 11-8 (Feb. 11, 2022).
The Skyhawks will also be looking to avenge a narrow loss against the South Carolina Gamecocks, who last visited the complex on October 28, 2023, escaping with a 10-9 victory.
UT Martin is entering this weekend after splitting its season opener against No. 7 Fresno State (lost 8-7) and South Dakota State (won 15-5) on October 5 in Brookings.
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In the reining event, UT Martin has enjoyed significant success this season, boasting an impressive 8-0-1 record in nine head-to-head matchups. Logan Putvinski is 2-0 with one MOP (Most Outstanding Player) award, while Elise Mason has also secured an MOP in her only meet. Additionally, Aubrey Malone and Kate Davis are both 2-0 in reining this season.
Defending National Collegiate Equestrian Association first-team All-American Lexi Bailey continues her strong performance, going 2-0 with one MOP in reining. Mia McAfoos also remains unbeaten in the event with a 2-0 record.
In Jumping Seat, UT Martin has achieved five wins in fences and three victories in flat. Reigning ECAC Fences Freshman of the Year Kate Mills holds an undefeated 2-0 record in fences, alongside a flat win. Gabby Adams also earned an MOP in flat during the Skyhawks’ road win at South Dakota State, achieving a career-best score of 85 points— the highest by any UT Martin rider in that event this season.
After the Skyhawks’ meet against UC Davis on Friday, the Aggies will compete against Oklahoma State in reining and flat at approximately 2 p.m. The competition will resume at 10 a.m. on Saturday with fences and horsemanship. Live scoring for all three meets this weekend will be available via the provided link.
