AUBURN, Ala. – The South Dakota State equestrian team opened the season with a pair of losses in head-to-head competitions against Auburn and Kansas State on Sept. 24 in Auburn, Ala.

“I’m obviously not happy with the results, but I am proud of the effort this afternoon after a tough morning for the English riders,” interim head coach Joe Humphrey said. “Western did really well against Auburn, and I think they did even better against Kansas State in some cases. Hopefully we learn from today and get ready for tomorrow.

The Jackrabbit English riders fell to the Tigers 10-0, while the Tiger Western team nipped the Jacks by the score of 5-4.

Auburn swept both equitation on the flat and equitation over fences, but the Jacks did manage to get two points in horsemanship and two in reining on the Western side.

Kelsey Champagne and Britta Barta picked up the points in horsemanship, while Maggie Holzworth and Lydia Placzek won in reining. Helen Lauth tied her opponent in reining.

Later in the afternoon, the English riders fell 8-2 to Kansas State, while the Western team lost 8-1.

Ashley Marrin beat her opponent on the flat and Morgan Hough edged her opponent over fences for the Jacks two English points, while Angela Gebhart picked up the only point for the Western team in reining.

The Jackrabbit riders return to action on Saturday, when they take on South Carolina at 2 p.m.