NCEA Announces January Riders Of The Month

[source: NCEA]

WACO, Texas – The National Collegiate Equestrian Association on Wednesday announced its January Riders of the Month, recognizing standout performances from the past month of collegiate competition. 

Equitation Over Fences Rider of the Month: Ashton Alexander, Auburn
• Competing in her first-ever collegiate event, Alexander earned MOP honors after defeating Baylor’s Jenkins, 87-68.
• Helped lead Auburn to a 4-1 record over fences against the Bears. 
• Her 19-point win was the largest margin of the event.

Equitation On The Flat Rider of the Month: Alicia Gasser, Baylor
• In Baylor’s lone competition in January against No. 1 Auburn, recorded an 86-72 victory against her opponent on the flat. 
• Defeated her opponent by 14 points, the largest flat margin of victory in the nation during January. 
• Has scored 80 or better in five meets this season. 

Horsemanship Rider of the Month: Abbie Demel, Baylor
• In Baylor’s lone competition in January against No. 1 Auburn, logged a 76-72 victory against her opponent in horsemanship. 
• In her freshman season, earned an MVP honor against the nation’s top-ranked team. 

Reining Rider of the Month: Ali Fratessa, Auburn
• The freshman earned her first career MOP honors after defeating Baylor’s Michelina Carbone, 75.5-66.
• Was a member of the western crew that went 8-2 against the Bears.
• Had a score of 75.5, which was the most scored by all reining riders.
• Her 75.5 set a new career high.