Goucher Stretches Lead Over Closest Pursuers

Postel, Brandt Qualify to Compete at Regionals in April

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Goucher sent a strong message to the other intercollegiate riding programs in Zone IV Region I that it doesn't intend to be caught by finishing as the high point college today at the first of two IHSA shows that will take place this weekend at Hazelwild Farm.

Patte Zumbrun's riders went into today's show with a substantial 36-point lead over their closest pursuers, but they were able to add 40 points to bring their total for the season to 208 points. Christopher Newport picked up 33 points today, hiking their total to 165, good for second place. Mary Washington moved up from fourth place to third by scoring 36 points, but the Eagles now are 52 points behind the Gophers.

Karli Postel (Newbury Park, Calif./Oaks Christian School) was designated the reserve high point rider at today's show after scoring 14 points based on first-place performances in both the jumping and flat phases in the open division. In addition, she qualified to compete in open fences at the regional championships on April 1.

Also representing Goucher in the open division today was Amory Brandt (Saratoga, Calif./Lynbrook), who was awarded second place in both phases. She earned a sufficient number of points to advance to regionals in open flat.

Callie Hodge (Columbia, Md./Long Reach) earned a blue ribbon in advanced walk-trot-canter equitation.

Additional second-place performances by Goucher riders: Alys Howland (Lincoln, Mass./Dana Hall) in intermediate flat, Laura Malone (Weston, Mass./Weston) and Lauren Steinhoff (Malvern, Pa./Great Valley) in novice flat, and Jen Manley (Trappe, Pa./Perkiomen Valley) in walk-trot.