Nov. 8, 2011

MANHATTAN, Kan. -The seventh-ranked Kansas State equestrian team will close out the fall portion of its home schedule as it takes on defending Big 12 Champion and No. 2 Texas A&M Friday at TimberCreek Stables. The Wildcats (2-3) are coming off a bye week and are looking to knock off an undefeated Texas A&M squad that has been on a roll as of late.

"This is a big weekend for our team and a chance for us to really pull together and push each other to the top," said K-State head coach Casie Lisabeth. "This week has thrown a bit of adversity at our team, but they have handled it well and have maintained focus on what needs to be done this weekend. Texas A&M has a great team with a lot of depth, but we have shown great progression this semester, so I am excited to see the results of our team's hard work."

Junior Meredith Finch and sophomore Sarah Mershon will lead the Hunt Seat into action against the Aggies this weekend. Finch, who was named October Big 12 Rider of the Month for Equitation on the Flat, looks to add to her win total, which currently stands at three matches. Mershon has notched four wins in 2011, which is tied for tops on the Wildcat squad.

K-State's Western squad will be led by juniors Hannah Ribera and Whitney Unkefer. The third-year duo has combined for eight wins on the year, with Unkefer notching a team-high two match-MVP awards in 2011.

Friday's action is set to get underway at 10 a.m., from TimberCreek Stables and admission is free to the public. Check back with kstatesports.com for information and updates about Friday's match.

Below is a list of riders that will compete this weekend for K-State.

Equitation Over Fences
Catherine Avolese
Shana Barnett
Kate Hennessy
Sarah Mershon
Rachel Webster
 
Equitation Over Fences (Exhibition)
Kylie Biebrach
Katie Haukos
 
Equitation on the Flat
Jacquelyn Bogstad
Meredith Finch
Larissa Laffey
Madison Wayda
Rachel Webster
 
Equitation on the Flat (Exhibition)
Melanie Hinzpeter
Paige Lechtenberg
 
Horsemanship
Kelly Bovaird
Amelia Crites
Chayna DeNicolo
Hannah Ribera
Whitney Unkefer
 
Horsemanship (Exhibition)
Allison Tozier
Libby Tudor
 
Reining
Jordan Cox
Sam Etsell
Jesse Johnson
Emily Stockford
Alayna Warner 
 
Reining (Exhibition)
Margaret Peine