LAS CRUCES, N.M. - The NM State equestrian team defeated Tennessee-Martin, Saturday afternoon at the NM State Equestrian Center, 11-8.

"We had a rough start to the day on both the Fences and reining sides of the competition," head coach Audrey Van Eman said. "But I thought our Flat and Horsemanship teams rose to the occasion. We were testing our riders that we feel we will take to nationals. This gave us a good look at what we need to work on and what areas we need to fine tuning."

Tennessee-Martin took an early lead on the Aggies as the Equitation over Fences team fell 4-1, as Stephanie Gershon took the only point for the Aggies with a 76-70 win over Tori Efird. The Equitation on the Flat team quickly responded with a dominating 4-1 win as well, tying the score at 5-5. Emily McConnell took MVP honors in the Flat competition with a win over Kelsey Abell, 82-80. Chelsae Keyes beat Elizabeth Gay, 81-73, while Brianna Raab defeated Caroline Cramer, 77-72. Gershon took her second win of the day with a victory over Katherine Gay.

On the Western side, The Horsemanship team crushed Tennessee-Martin, 5-0 as Chelsea Campbell won MVP honors by beating Michelle Chullock, 72.5-69.5. Pamela Evans beat Heidi Grimm, 70.5-69.5, while Kyra Cruse handled Stephanie Sanders, 69.5-66.5. Other winners for the Aggies in Horsemanship included Jessica Woolsey defeating Hannah Derks, 72.5-71 and Megan Gould beating Candice Fulcher, 72-70.

Tara Wilson was the lone Reining rider with a victory as she defeated Candice Fulcher, 70-69. The Western team won 6-3 overall. The Aggies will now await the Varsity Equestrian National Championships, April 14-16.