NORWALK, Conn. — Sacred Heart University equestrian competed hard but could not pull off a comeback, falling in its first National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) contest, 6-2, on Sunday morning. 
 
In a close Fences portion, the Pioneers earned a point with Gillian Cunningham posting a 71 on Weston after Sweet Briar's Katherine Atherton took the first point of the contest with a score of 83 on Foxy, narrowly edging out SHU's Kylie Hwalek who earned an 81. Sweet Briar's Naomi Dachis earned most outstanding performer honors, posting an 86 on Torch to give the Vixens another point while Isabelle Mesiarik edged out SHU's Macayla Sousa on Ivy, 73-71, as the Vixens took a 3-1 lead heading into the Flat section. 
 
The Pioneers had strong showings in the Flat portion as Hwalek took home SHU's lone point in the section, posting a 65 on Luigi to earn the point over SBC's Emmy Longest. Emma Grimes and Abigail Marsh had good showings but were narrowly defeated by the Vixens on Solo and Viv, respectively, while Mackenzie Hamilton tied SBC's Wyette Felton with a score of 65 on Lola, as the Pios fell, 6-2. 
 
Up Next:
SHU heads back into IHSA action next weekend, heading to Storrs, Conn., for a doubleheader hosted by UConn on Sunday, October 29. More information will be available on sacredheartpioneers.com.