West Liberty, W.Va. – The West Liberty University acrobatics & tumbling team put up a strong effort but fell 252.515 - 239.795 to No. 15 Duquesne on Saturday inside the ASRC.

Despite the final result, the Hilltoppers started the meet strong, edging Duquesne in the first half with a 91.95 - 91.20 advantage. However, the Dukes surged in the second half, outscoring WLU 161.315 - 147.845 to claim the victory.

Round-by-Round Breakdown:

Compulsory Event:

West Liberty kept it close in the opening event, finishing just behind Duquesne 36.30 - 36.00. The Toss Heat was the highlight for WLU, as they matched Duquesne's 9.65 for the top score.


 

Acro Event:

The Hilltoppers had a strong showing in the 7-Element Heat, scoring 9.25, just shy of Duquesne's 9.30. WLU posted an overall 27.25 in the Acro event, trailing Duquesne's 26.60 by a narrow margin.


 

Pyramid Event:

West Liberty continued to compete well in the Pyramid Open Heat, recording a 9.65, their highest mark of the event. They finished with 28.70, just behind Duquesne's 28.30.

Toss Event:

The 450 Salto Heat was WLU's best moment, earning an 8.40. However, Duquesne edged them in all three heats, taking the event 25.30 - 25.40.

Tumbling Event:

Defending MEC Aerial Tumbling Champion Kayla Gandy delivered a standout performance, scoring 9.50 in the Aerial Pass, the highest individual score for WLU in tumbling. Despite her effort, the Dukes controlled the event with a 52.375 - 48.325 advantage.

Team Event:

Duquesne pulled away in the final event, scoring 83.64 compared to West Liberty's 74.12, sealing the victory.

Up Next:

The Hilltoppers will travel to Trine University on February 28.