Oct. 15, 2008

AUBURN--The Auburn equestrian team (2-0) has moved to the top spot in the latest Women's Intercollegiate Equestrian National Coaches Poll. The Tigers moved from second after their impressive road win against then third-ranked South Carolina on Oct. 4.

"I'm proud of our girls for earning the number one ranking," said Auburn head coach Greg Williams. "They do deserve it, but I want to be concerned about winning meets one at a time and being number one at the end of April."

The Tigers replaced top-ranked and defending national champion Georgia (3-0) after defeating ninth-ranked Fresno State 14-4 and fourth-ranked South Carolina 10-6. The Gamecocks hadn't lost a regular season contest at home since Oct. 21, 2005.

In the latest poll, Auburn is ranked first (57 points), Georgia second (53), Texas A&M third (47), South Carolina fourth (43), Oklahoma State fifth (40), Baylor sixth (25), Kansas State seventh (21), New Mexico State eighth (14), Fresno State ninth (12) and TCU 10th (10). Also receiving votes was Delaware State with five.

The collegiate coaches competing under the Varsity Equestrian Championship umbrella initiated the national poll. The poll will be released bi-monthly with the next announcement scheduled for Oct. 28, 2008. The final poll will be released April 21, 2009. Georgia was the top-ranked team in the inaugural poll released Sept. 30.

Auburn will face conference rival Georgia Saturday at 10 a.m. CT at the Auburn Equestrian Center.

For additional information, contact: Wes McDougal at (334) 844-9800.