The Geneseo women's equestrian team has enjoyed a strong start to the 2011-12 season, placing among the top three teams at each of its four shows so far.
On Oct. 29 and 30, the women traveled to Cazenovia College and St. Lawrence University, respectively, placing third of 10 teams at both shows.
Senior Julianne Pangal, who competes in the open division, said that the team was pleased with their results at those shows.
"We've been consistently third in the region, which is really good because we're behind two of the best schools in the country … We do very well for ourselves," she said.
Over the weekend of Nov. 12 and 13, the women hosted 10 other teams in their only two home shows of the season at Rolelu Farms. On Saturday, three riders took home first place ribbons while three also won second place.
In addition to the competition, the team's 11 seniors invited professors who influenced their growth at Geneseo to attend Saturday's show, including communication professor Atsushi Tajima, biology professor Kristina Hannam and education professor Elizabeth Falk. Head coach Kim Sanford said that Athletic Director Michael Mooney also attended the show, which was his first.
"I don't think he had any idea of the depth of commitment, and how hard the girls actually work," Sanford said.
Sunday's show was another success for the Knights, coming in second of 10 – reserve champions – as they beat regional rival Cazenovia. Pangal said that it was her first time in four years on the team that this had happened.
"It was the first time we had done that in quite a long time," Sanford said. "That was one of our goals as a team."
Senior Katie Roberts took home a first place ribbon at Sunday's show, while sophomore Jordan Jones collected two. Other Geneseo riders won second and third place ribbons in several events.
"The team has definitely grown in the past couple of years," Sanford said. "We have strong riders in every division."
The women look to continue their successful season on Nov. 19 and 20, on the road at St. Lawrence and Cazenovia, respectively.