By Emilt Desmond

PLAINVILLE, Mass. -- Bridgewater State University kicked off our spring season this weekend at Walnut Hill Farm, competing in a point show to start our the weekend.

It was a great way to get back in the ring and begin the semester with strong rides from the team. The team standings at the show were not available. The Bears had some great individual performances throughout the day.

Junior Abigail Abbott (Wareham, Mass.)) got the Bears started in Open Flat aboard Hanz with a lovely ride. She then returned to the ring in Open Over Fences on Ice, riding a great trip and earning fifth place.

Senior Emily Desmond (Braintree, Mass.) had a fantastic ride in Intermediate Over Fences on Pongo, securing second place with a smooth and confident round.

Junior Alyson McKeon (Worcester, Mass.) then made her debut in Intermediate Flat on Fred, putting in a lovely ride in her first class at this level.

Sophomore Julia Max (Salem, N.H.) had a standout day, riding Taco to a great trip in Limit Over Fences and taking home first place and securing her spot at regionals. She then returned to the ring in Limit Flat on Susan, earning fourth place with another solid ride.

Sophomore Becky Costa (Foxborough, Mass.) stepped into the ring in Novice aboard Fred and rode a stellar round to earn fifth place.

Senior Antonina O'Grady (Holbrook, Mass.) wrapped up the day for the Bears in Introductory, riding Pongo to a sixth-place finish.

The BSU coaching staff and squad are so proud of all the riders for kicking off the spring semester portion of the season strong. The team will be heading to UConn tomorrow morning to wrap up the weekend's competition.