Malone, Steinhoff Claim Blue Ribbons in Novice Division

TOWSON, Md. — Goucher's lead in the 2013-14 IHSA Zone IV Region I standings grew by another 23 points today when the Gophers earned a team score of 46 points at the final show until after the holidays.

The Gophers were particularly strong in the jumps at today's show, which was conducted on the Goucher campus but hosted by Maryland-Baltimore Co. Joey Fink (Baltimore, Md./The Park School) claimed a blue ribbon in open equitation over fences, Ashley Bent (Phoenixville, Pa./Phoenixville Area) did the same in the intermediate division and Laura Malone (Weston, Mass./Weston) was awarded first place in novice fences.

With the eight points he picked up today, Fink lengthened his lead in the region's high point rider standings to 12 points over Jaclyn Merica from American.

Lauren Steinhoff (Malvern, Pa./Great Valley) took first place in novice equitation on the flat.

There were three other first-place performances by Goucher riders at today's show: Kaduk Sherpa (East Aurora, N.Y./The Park School) in advanced walk-trot-canter equitation, Maring Eberlein (Fairhope, Ala./Fairhope) in beginning walk-trot-canter and Joel Brandis (Portland, Ore./Grant) in walk-trot.

Bent (intermediate fences) and Sherpa (advanced walk-trot-canter) both qualified today to compete at the Region I Championships, scheduled for March 30.

With Goucher adding another 46 points to its total today and George Washington coming up with only 23, head coach Jen Bunty's program has opened up a commanding 181-113 lead in the Region I standings. The reserve champion at today's show was George Mason with a score of 26 points.