MARTIN, Tenn. - Freshman Kara Bergenty scored two points in the first round of the 2010 Varsity National Equestrian Championships (VENC) and The University of Tennessee at Martin, seeded No. 7, turned in a higher raw score than No. 10 seed Kansas State. However, it was not enough for the Skyhawks to claim a win in the first round of the Hunter Seat Championship at Heart O' Texas Fair Complex in Waco, Texas on Friday.

"We are extremely disappointed," UT Martin head coach Meghan Cunningham said. "We beat Kansas State in raw score, but had some costly mistakes that prevented us from moving on."

No. 10 Kansas State defeated No. 7 UT Martin, 5-3, and will advance to the second round of the VENC where they will meet No. 2 seed Auburn.

"We beat ourselves with those mistakes." Cunningham said.

UT Martin battled Kansas State to a 2-2 draw in Equitation over Fences. Bergenty, from Farmington, Conn., and freshman Katie Miranda, from Summerfield, Fla., scored for the Skyhawks. Bergenty defeated Kansas State's Kristen Rheinlander, 152-130. Miranda claimed a 154-134 win over Bridget Doyle.
Kansas State won the Equitation on the Flats 3-1. Bergenty scored the only point for the Skyhawks, defeating Katie Mellon 164-144.

"Kara turned in two winning rides. Her ride on the flat was perhaps the best of the season," Cunningham said.
UT Martin actually defeated Kansas State on the raw score 1207-1198, but the raw score only comes into play as a tiebreaker.

"This opportunity has provided some valuable experience for our young team next year," Cunningham said. UT Martin's roster for next season will be made up of a lot of freshmen and sophomores.

"Unfortunately I had higher expectations for how the season would conclude," Cunningham said.

This is the fourth consecutive year UT Martin has advanced to the VENC. The VENC continues through Saturday.


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