Gophers Rule Zone IV Region I for Fourth Straight Year

TOWSON, Md. — Goucher clinched the 2014-15 IHSA Zone IV Region I title by scoring 39 points at today's riding show, enough to give head coach Jen Bunty's squad an insurmountable lead over its closest pursuer in the region standings.

After six shows this season (with one remaining), the Gophers have 240 points, giving them a 74-point advantage over Mount St. Mary's, which is in second place with 166 points. Third place belongs to George Washington (164 points).

The region title is the Goucher riding program's fourth straight and eighth in the past 13 years.

Three Goucher riders claimed blue ribbons for first-place performances at today's show, which was hosted by Maryland-Baltimore County. Joey Fink (Baltimore, Md./The Park School) earned one of them in open equitation over fences, plus he placed third in open equitation on the flat; the other two went to Ashley Bent (Phoenixville, Pa./Phoenixville Area) in novice flat and to Kate Matthews (Concord, Mass./Concord-Carlisle) in advanced walk-trot-canter.

Fink and Emma Suarez Murias from George Washington shared high point rider honors at today's show.

Laura Malone (Weston, Mass./Weston) took second place in intermediate flat and third in intermediate fences. Clea Lerner (Los Angeles, Calif./Renaissance Arts Academy) was awarded second place in novice fences.