Goucher Widens Grip on Top Spot in Standings

One Point Separates Brandt, Postel for High Point Rider

SPARKS, Md. — While Goucher used today's IHSA Zone IV-Region I show at Featherdown Farm to strengthen its grip on first place in the 2011-12 region standings, two of the top riders from director Patte Zumbrun's program used it to solidify their individual rankings.

Goucher scored 45 points at today's show to earn the designation of high point team. Richmond was the reserve high point team, picking up 37 points, while George Washington was third with 34 points, St. Mary's (Md.) fourth with 28 points and George Mason fifth with 27 points.

With the 45 points earned today added in, Goucher's total for the season grew to 168, providing Zumbrun and her riders with a substantial 36-point lead over George Washington and Christopher Newport, who are tied for second in the region standings with 132 points apiece. Mary Washington is fourth with 120 points.

Amory Brandt (Saratoga, Calif./Lynbrook), who was awarded first place in open equitation on the flat, held on to the top spot in the region's 2011-12 high point rider standings by securing 11 points today, which raised her total to 43. Her lead, however, was reduced to a single point because teammate Karli Postel (Newbury Park, Calif./Oaks Christian School) came up with 14 points. Her total for the season increased to 42 following first-place performances in open equitation over fences and open flat.

Third place in the high point rider standings belongs to Erica Renson from George Washington with 37 points.

By taking top honors today in intermediate flat, Taylor Marcus (Unionville, Pa./Unionville) added her name to the list of Goucher riders who have qualified to compete at the Zone IV-I Championships in April.

Chaz Kellogg (Pennington, N.J./Wellesley), who is also competing in the intermediate division, placed second today in the jumping phase.

In the novice division, Effie Bourgin (Savage, Md./Atholton) placed first in the flat phase, and Joey Fink (Pikesville, Md./The Park School) and Laura Malone (Weston, Mass./Weston) were second in the jumping and flat phases, respectively.

Amanda Sobus (Baltimore, Md./Patapsco & Center for the Arts) finished second in advanced walk-trot-canter; Madison Tidwell (Sun Valley, Idaho/Middle College) placed first in walk-trot.