Acrobatics & Tumbling | 4/12/2019 10:22:00 PM

    FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Top-seeded and No. 5-ranked Fairmont State took the edge off an historic night for West Liberty University's acrobatics and tumbling squad here Friday night, building on a fast start to claim a convincing win in a Mountain East Conference Tournament semifinal at Joe Retton Arena.
    Friday's event marked the first-ever conference tournament at any level for the fast-growing sport. While the final result may not have been what she wanted, WLU head coach Treasure Fields was able to put the season-ending setback into perspective.
    "We may not have won on the scoreboard tonight – Fairmont has an outstanding team – but I'm incredibly proud of my girls," Fields said. "To qualify for a post-season tournament in just our second year as a program is a credit to their heart, dedication and commitment. Thanks to them, we all got to be part of history tonight and share an experience none of us will ever forget."
    The Falcons had rolled through the MEC regular-season schedule without a loss and wasted little time taking control of Friday's semifinal match with a dominant performance in the Compulsory event.
    Fairmont posted scores of 9.0 or better in all four heats – highlighted by a perfect 10.0 in the pyramid heat – to take an 8-point lead into the Acro event and never looked back.
    The hosts posted a 28.825 to 25.05 victory in the three-heat Acro event and closed out the first half with a near-perfect 29.575 (out of a possible 30.0) in the Pyramid event to take an insurmountable 96.675 to 81.25 lead at intermission.
    The Hilltoppers righted the ship somewhat after the break but were unable to cut into the FSU lead in the second half and Fairmont State coasted across the finish line with a 271.825 to 221.94 advantage.
    "The effort was there," Fields said. "We weren't able to get the execution to the level we needed tonight but I'm really excited about the progress and development we've experienced with these young women over the course of the year.
    "We had four student-athletes named to the All-MEC Team and all four of them will be returning next season. We have a great nucleus to work with and some really good recruits coming in. There are a lot of things to be excited about for next year. I can't wait."
    Fairmont State and Glenville State – the top two seeds – will meet for the inaugural MEC Tournament championship on Saturday.