LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The NM State equestrian team is advancing to the finals of the United Equestrian Conference Tournament after topping Delaware State 9-7 on Friday at the New Mexico State Equestrian Center.
 
The two teams tied in the hunter seat events as NM State won equitation on the flat competition and Delaware State won the equitation over fences competition. Karianna Knezevich scored a 147, Chelsea Brady scored a 123 and Madison Brayman scored 137 as each earned a point in equitation on the flat to help the Aggies to a 3-1 victory. Remington Willkie earned a point in equitation over fences with a score of 149 as NM State fell 3-1 in the event.
 
The Aggies then won the western competition 5-3. Rianna Storey scored a 147.5 and Hallie Padilla scored a 140 to each earn a point in horsemanship as the teams tied 2-2. Haley Newkirk and Kimberly Ferrante each scored a 135 and Jaimie Story scored a 137.5 as each earned a point in reining to guide NM State to a 3-1 victory in the event.
 
The Aggies will take on UT-Martin on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in the championship round of the UEC Tournament at the New Mexico State Equestrian Center. Delaware State and SMU will compete in the consolation round and will also begin at 10:00 a.m.