The dust from the ground rose up and covered everything, but could not tarnish the various ribbons won by the Penn State equestrian team.

This past weekend the team kicked off its season at home on Eastwood Farms. The team placed first overall out of 12 teams, but due to possible rider reclassifications may end up finishing second for the show behind West Virginia University. Teams from the University of Pittsburgh, Seton Hill University, and Dickinson University also competed.

"They are a young team with lots of depth," coach Deanna Vonada said. "They are just now starting to realize their potential."

A strong showing was made by freshman Jackie Geewax. She won both of the classes in which she competed and rode in a ride off to determine the high-points rider of the competition.

"I see her having a lot of intercollegiate success ahead of her," Vonada said.

Others that performed well were sophomores Lindsey Passaic and Kelly Berger.

The team has another home show Sunday at East wood farms.

"They are a great group of kids, they were an outstanding success whether they were competing or helping run the show," Vonada said. "We hope to continue on this path that we've already started."