By Jeffrey Swindoll
Sports Writer

The Bears claimed their first Big 12 championship since 2010 after a dominant showing at the 2015 Big 12 Championships in Fort Worth this weekend, living up to their projected No. 1 finish from the preseason coaches poll.

“It is really nice to go in as No. 1 and then come out as No. 1,” head coach Ellen White said. “It lets us know that we really are that good. Everyone did well and we’re excited and ready for the national championship.”

One-seed Baylor (13-4, 4-2 Big 12) began the championships against four-seed TCU, winning by a convincing 14-6 scoreline on Friday. It was the Bears’ third time this season beating their Interstate 35 rivals. Friday’s win set up a championship meet against Kansas State the following day.

The Wildcats challenged the Bears, taking a 3-2 lead to begin the meet and imposing a 5-4 difference at the midway point.

Baylor powered to a 4-1 score in flat to take an 8-6 lead, guaranteeing a win for Baylor should they claim two points in reining. Baylor’s first two riders, junior Mary Brown and freshman Charlotte Green, claimed a point apiece to secure the conference title.