Burke, Desmond Advance to IHSA Zone One Championships

HANOVER, Mass. -- Senior captain Samantha Burke (Weymouth, Mass.) and junior captain Emily Desmond (Mass.) will represent the Bridgewater State University equestrian team next weekend at the IHSA Zone one Champions.

The duo put together impressive performances today at the IHSA Zone One Region Four Championships held at the Holly Hill Show Stables in Hanover. 

Burke rode Hank, a 14hh big bodied chestnut pony, in limit over fences and won the class. Burke then hopped on Flicka, a 13.3hh chestnut mare, in limit flat and placed second. Burke will be competing next weekend at zones in both flat and fences by virtue of her top-two placings.

Desmond also rode Hank in limit flat and captured top honors in the event to advance to zones.

Sophomore Rianne Wyckstrom (Hudson, MA) started BSU off in intermediate flat on Tucker, a 17hh grey gelding, but due to the windy day Wyckstrom received a re-ride on Porsche, a dark brown 15.1hh mare, and placed fourth.

BSU wrapped up regionals placing fifth on the season overall.

The IHSA Zone One Championships will take place on Saturday, April 6th at Mount Holyoke College.