Total annihilation -- not describing the movie but the motto of the Penn State equestrian team, which cruised to an easy win at Zones, crushing Delaware Valley College by six points, Bucknell by 10 and Yale by 12. Penn State dominated by winning half of the events that qualified them to move on to compete in nationals, which will take place May 5-8.

The win marks the fourth time the team has won its zone championship meet in five years.

The team was in last place after two events, but Lauren Wright, Lauren Klutchka, Erin Boyce and freshman sensation Jackie Geewax all took first place in the next events to give Penn State the win. Jenn Betts and Rachel Roland took second place in open and novice on the flat, respectively.

Now that the top team has been determined, Penn State's preparations are geared toward nationals, which are held at Eden Park, Ohio. While Penn State has been reigning over its opponents, the team will now have to adjust to competing with schools whose equestrian squads are varsity teams at their schools.

"We try to be very prepared mentally since we don't get as much time to practice physically, although the team is riding as much as they possibly can in the weeks leading up to nationals," Penn State coach Malinda Grice said.

Competing in nationals this year are the same team members who competed last weekend at Zones. In preparation, the team is stepping up practices, but also keeping its feet on the ground.

"I really just want the team to ride their best and have fun. To me, if we go home happy with our personal performances, it doesn't matter what color ribbon we are carrying," Grice said. "It is such an honor to be one of only 16 schools in the country competing, out of over 300 that compete throughout the year."