With a first and third place finish, the NIU equestrian team increased its regional lead to 25 points last weekend.

On Saturday, the Huskies placed first with 31 points at the horse show, hosted by Washington University in St. Louis. NIU’s Christy Yankaitis was named reserve high point rider for the competition. On Sunday, the Huskies placed third with 28 points. Southern Illinois had 33 points, taking first and Northwestern ended with 31 points, placing second. Huskie rider Heather Perelgut also took home reserve high point rider.

“I’m really proud of all our riders,” said NIU Equestrian President Michael Lenard. “None of the success we’ve obtained this season would be possible without the work of all our team members, so I congratulate everyone.”

Three rookies, Maureen Tolemy, Camille Barclay and Marissa Zolkening, competed in their first event for the Huskies over the weekend. While three careers started, one ended as Kevin Hantosh competed in his final equestrian event before graduating.

In the region, the Huskies have a total of 201 points through six shows, with SIU trailing with 176 points.

NIU will not be back in regional competition until March 2009, but will travel to Cleveland, Ohio for the Tournament of Champions competition. Lenard said the event is by invite only and out of the 400 teams in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, only 26 get invited. The show will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6.

Other club news:

• The NIU hockey team placed second in the Robert Morris Showcase over the weekend.

NIU lost game one against RMC-Chicago by a score of 7-4 despite a 3-2 lead heading into the third period. Chris Bednarek had two goals and an assist in the game.

On Saturday, the Huskies rebounded with a 9-3 win over RMC-Peoria, led by a pair of goals by Ian Kalanges and the freshman goalie Kenny Schatz.

A 7-2 win on Sunday marked the third time this season the Huskies defeated RMC-Springfield.

Freshman Bobby DiStefano scored his first career goal and Bednarek added two more goals. Mike Sible had two assists in the game.

The Huskies return home against #15 Northern Michigan this weekend with a 9 p.m. game on Friday and a 3 p.m. game on Saturday. NIU students will gain free entrance to the games with their NIU One Card.