ASHAWAY, R.I. – The JWU (Providence) IHSA program opened its spring season with a third-place finish Saturday afternoon at Hunter Ridge. URI won the events with 39 points, followed by Salve Regina (29), JWU (26), and Roger Williams and Holy Cross (23 points each).

Junior Samantha Stepanik and freshman Grace Taylor finished 2-3 in Class 7 Open Hunter Seat Equitation on the Flat. Junior Phoebe Smith placed second in Class 2A Pre-Novice Hunter Seat Equitation on the Flat, as did sophomore Caitlin Talbot in Class 1 Introductory Hunter Seat Equitation on the Flat.

Other second-place finishers included Makayla Williams (Class 4 Limit Hunter Sat Equitation over Fences) and freshman Morgan Hoopes (Class 2B Novice Hunter Seat Equitation on the Flat). Junior Adaline Hanes took third in Class 5 Intermediate Hunter Seat Equitation on the Flat while classmate Tori Stedman and sophomore Isabelle Pacella tied for third in Class 3 Limit Hunter Seat Equitation on the Flat. Junior Opal Cronin-Loggie grabbed third in Class 2B Novice Hunter Seat Equitation on the Flat.

Additionally, Cadence Mirto qualified for Regional Finals on March 16, 2025, in Individual Intermediate on the Flat.

"The first competition for the spring 2025 season got off to a slow start for our Wildcats," said head coach Dirk Fogg. "Pheobe Smith and Caitlin Talbot were rewarded with second place in their perspective levels. Morgan Hoopes, Samantha Stepanik, and Makayla Williams also earned second's that helped keep the team within seven points behind URI for the regional champion team standings. Our Wildcats have a clear picture to focus on for next week's double header."

The JWU IHSA Team will finish the season with a double header competition on March 1, 2025, at Hunter Ridge in Ashaway, R.I. with a 9:00 am start time.