MEDWAY, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University equestrian team opened the 2019-2020 season on Saturday at Saddle Rowe Farm in Medway, Massachusetts. Brandeis University and Tufts University co-hosted the show.

The Bears placed third in the team standings as the team kicked off their season with outstanding rides from all that rode today. It marked the highest placing for the Bears since the squad became a varsity program prior to last season.

Freshman Sophia Barnard (Halifax, Mass.) rode Turner to a beautiful first place open flat ride. Barnard then jumped her way to fifth place aboard Andy, a 17 hand chestnut gelding. 

Freshman Ashley Crosby (Littleton, Mass.) piloted Poppy to a first place performance in her first ever intermediate fences course.

Junior Tessa LeBlanc (Harwich, Mass.) piloted Mac, a 16.3 bay gelding, to an incredible first place performance in limit flat.

Sophomore Madison Elliott (Centerville, Mass.) road Artie, a 15.3 bay gelding, to a sixth place showing in a tough intermediate flat class. Elliott also finished fourth in her limit fences class on Dillon, a 15.2 chestnut gelding.

Senior Sydney Hawes (Pembroke, Mass.) was aboard Snickers for her limit over fences class placing sixth.

Senior co-captain Jeanna Meloni (Falmouth, Mass.) rode Toney, a 16 hand paint gelding, to a third place showing in her limit over fences course. Meloni headed right back into the ring for limit flat on Max, a 15.2 hand dark bay gelding, as she placed fourth.

Senior co-captain Maria Marchione (Hull, Mass.) rode Dillon to a solid fifth place in novice flat. Also in novice flat, junior Emily Adams (Plympton, Mass.) guided Artie to a second place showing. 

Lastly, junior Abigail Adams (Webster, Mass.) rode in her first ever horse show. Aboard Carmel, Adams placed second in her walk trot class.

The BSU equestrian will be riding again tomorrow (Sunday, October 12th) at Holly Hill Show Stables in Hanover, Massachusetts. Boston University is hosting the show.