OCALA, Fla.-- The Sacred Heart University equestrian team made its first National College Equestrian Association (NCEA) Single Discipline National Championship debut, on Thursday morning. The Pioneers were the fourth seed and fell to the number one seed, Sweet Briar College, 5-3 in the semifinals. 

Lilly Bove and Mia Poppinga each recorded a point for Sacred Heart in fences competition. Bove had a score of 239, and Poppinga had a score of 233. The teams were tied 2-2 at the end of fences. 

Sweet Briar was able to secure the win as they took a 3-1 advantage in flat competition. Hanna Lloyd tallied the point for the Pioneers, scoring 209. 

The Vixens advance to the finals tomorrow morning. Sacred Heart concludes NCEA competition with its first appearance in the NCEA National Championship.