In its first season of play, the NIU equestrian club has been on a role.

In the Huskies’ latest event, they defeated seven-time winner Purdue at its home field, along with 10 other teams. The Huskies took part in all but two events because they have only 11 riders. Purdue has 34 riders and was in every event.

“We missed two divisions and we still beat them,” said senior Melissa Axelsen. “They go out and just ride. We are different in that we are like a family.”

Lesley Garraway took first place in the intermediate over fences and intermediate walk, trot and canter event on Saturday, but took fourth on the over fences and second in the walk, trot and canter event Sunday.

The Huskies had individuals place no lower than fifth in every event and had seven place first.

“We weren’t able to ride on our own horses,” said Axelsen. “It was a lottery system. No one knows what horses they are going to ride on. We really don’t know how we beat Purdue because they ride on that course all the time.”