Blythewood, S.C. — Auburn earned their second straight SEC championship Saturday, defeating Georgia 11-9 in the final round at One Wood Farm. After No. 2 seed Georgia beat No. 3 seed South Carolina in the first round of competition Friday, the Tigers defeated the Bulldogs for the championship, winning hunt seat 6-4 and western in raw score 1447.5-1305.5. Auburn (13-3) also won the 2010 SEC championship in Auburn.

“Winning SECs is a good indicator that you’re ready for nationals,” said head coach Greg Williams. “I’m so proud of the team and what they have accomplished. I love the way coach (Lisa) Helfer and coach (Lindsay) Neubarth continue to improve this group.

“I think the best is yet to come in mid April.”

Auburn had a 6-4 lead at the half after winning flat 4-1, but falling in horsemanship 3-2.

Tiger flat points came from sophomore Anna Becker, junior MVP Maggie McAlary, sophomore Lindsay Portela and junior Grace Socha. Becker defeated Abby O’Mara, 157-153, McAlary defeated Michelle Morris, 157-148, Portela defeated Olivia Dorey, 145-137, and Socha defeated Carly Anthony, 152-149.

In horsemanship, senior Mary Casey and junior Kristin Hansen earned points for Auburn. Casey defeated Dana Wilson, 148-146, and Hansen defeated Katelyn Van Allen, 139-0.

Auburn fell to Georgia, 3-2 in equitation over fences. With outstanding scores, McAlary earned her second MVP on the day, defeating Anthony, 179-165. Socha defeated Dorey, 166-156.

To clinch the win, the Auburn reiners pulled out a 3-2 victory. Junior Jillian Fuller defeated Jackie Hoyt, 136.5-129, Hansen defeated Becca Haaland, 148.5-145.5 and sophomore Indy Roper defeated Hannah Dyer, 148.5-138.5.

Auburn enters the Varsity Equestrian National Championships with winning records in both western and hunt seat. Auburn’s western riders are 11-4 on the season, while the hunt seat riders have ridden to an impressive 15-1 record. The national championships will be held in Waco, Texas, on April 14-16.