Lynchburg Wins First ODAC Equestrian Title

RUSTBURG, Va. --- The University of Lynchburg turned hosting its first ODAC Equestrian Championships on home soil into an extended venture as the Hornets lifted the first conference trophy in program history on Friday afternoon at the University of Lynchburg Equestrian Center. Lynchburg's effort was powered by three riders placing inside the top-eight to earn All-ODAC laurels.

Lynchburg, winner of the 2022 NCEA single discipline national championship, garnered 18 team points to add an ODAC equestrian prize to its new grounds at Patrick Henry Family Services Farm in Rustburg, Va. Sweet Briar College and Hollins University tied for reserve champion at 13 points with the Vixens taking the runner-up honors on tiebreakers (cumulative team scores from both fences competitions). Washington and Lee University placed fourth with 11 markers, and Bridgewater College came in fifth with eight tallies.

Eagles junior Kelsey Quinn collected ODAC Rider of the Year accolades as the top overall scorer from the two competitions over fences. The same criteria is used to determined ODAC Rookie Rider of the Year with W&L first-year Elisabeth Marek placing fourth to earn that moniker. Lynchburg mentor Phillip Williams garnered ODAC Coach of the Year distinction from his peers, while fellow Hornet Lori Ohanessian received ODAC/Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete of the Year recognition from the conference's athletic communications personnel.

Related Information: 2023 ODAC Championship Results

ODAC teams of four riders each compete in three classes of competition. Class 1 and Class 2 are Equitation Over Fences tests, while Class 3 is Equitation on the Flat by two riders from each squad. All-ODAC recognition is determined by a rider's combined average over the two fence classes. The top-eight riders by scores (plus ties) earn All-ODAC status.

Lynchburg won both classes over the fences to earn a maximum 14 points. Brynley Smith, Emma Schweizer, and Fallyn Belcastro combined for a score of 255.250 in class one and 252.500 in class two. Belcastro and Ohanessian were Lynchburg's two riders on the flat. They finished third at 167.000 for their remaining four points towards the squad's 18-point haul.

BC's Quinn posted 85.500 averages over both fences classes to earn her high rider honor. Belcastro was just 0.250 points back in second, while Smith placed third at 84.750.

In the tied for second place between Hollins and Sweet Briar, HU's three-rider scoring unit of Mallory Francis, Natalie Dresdow, and Courtney Wilson combined for a 227.875 total in the first fences class and 193.000 in class two for a 420.875 total. The Vixens saw Emmy Longest, Naomi Dachis, and Isabelle Mesiarik posted a 212.250 total in class one and combined it with a 248.500 mark posted by Katherine Atherton, Mesiarik, and Dachis for a 460.750 combined total win the tiebreaker.

Related Information: All-Time ODAC Equestrian Championship Results

Posted below are the full team standings from the 2023 ODAC Equestrian Championships as well as the All-ODAC Riding Team. For more information, visit the websites of any of the participating schools, or go to the ODAC's home on the Internet at www.odaconline.com. Don't forget to become a fan of the ODAC on Facebook an follow @odacathletics on Twitter and Instagram.

ODAC Rider of the Year: Kelsey Quinn, Jr., Bridgewater
ODAC Coach of the Year: Phillip Williamson, Lynchburg
ODAC Rookie of the Year: Elisabeth Marek, Fy., Washington and Lee
ODAC/Va. Farm Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete: Lori Ohanessian, Sr., Lynchburg

* Sweet Briar was named Reserve Champion on tiebreakers (cumulative scores over the fences)