DAVIS, CA (MPG) - Standout performances in the season opener against No. 9 Fresno State earned recognition for a trio of UC Davis riders as junior Keely Laughlin, freshman Carly Sweeney, and sophomore Macey Newkirk, were named Eastern College Athletic Conference Riders of the Week in their respective events, the league office announced Tuesday afternoon.

Laughlin was honored for the second time in her career in equitation over fences after scoring an 81-65 victory over the Bulldogs’ Lizzie Stodden to claim the winning team point for a 3-2 win in the event. It marked the eighth career score of 80 points or higher for Laughlin in fences and her third win in her last four performances in the event, pushing her program-best total to 10 victories in two-plus seasons.

Sweeney, one of 12 underclassmen — and five true freshmen — to break into the starting lineup against Fresno State, made her collegiate debut a memorable one, earning Most Outstanding Performance honors in equitation on the flat with a 76-61 win over Fresno State’s Taylor Holstead. Her point started a run of three straight points for UC Davis to close out the event, giving the Aggies a 3-2 win and a 6-4 overall victory in the jumping seat events.

Newkirk’s win in reining brought her team even at 9-9 heading into the final ride of the night, scoring a team-high 70 in the event. It was her highest score since a 71.5 against then-No. 1 Auburn last season and her fifth career reining victory — tied for the most of any Aggie in the program’s short two-plus year history along with teammate Charlize Zuraek.

UC Davis has the week off before heading to the Central Valley for a road rematch with Fresno State on Thursday (Feb. 25) at 11 a.m. at the Student Horse Center in Fresno, Calif. Live scoring will be available at GoBulldogs.com

ABOUT UC DAVIS

Over 700 student-athletes across 25 intercollegiate athletics teams, following the addition of equestrian and women’s beach volleyball in 2018, represent the fifth-ranked public school in the nation.

Centrally located between San Francisco, Lake Tahoe and the Napa Valley, UC Davis is known nationwide as a leader in Title IX gender equity and leadership, ranks annually in the top 10 in diversity and students’ social mobility and offers an unrivaled student-athlete experience that features the ideal combination of elite academics, Division I athletics and personal growth.

UC Davis is uncommonly committed to preparing student-athletes for life after graduation with Aggie EVO — an innovative student-athlete outcomes program that helps young women and men develop passions, gain real-world experience, and enjoy a successful launch to full-time employment or graduate school. Through Aggie EVO, Intercollegiate Athletics provides unmatched resources and a vast network of working professionals to ensure post-graduation success for its student-athletes.