WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University acrobatics & tumbling team earned recognition on the conference stage Friday as Bella Paternoster and Lainey Horvath were named All-Mountain East Conference selections ahead of this weekend's MEC Championships.

Paternoster garnered First Team All-MEC honors, while Horvath was named to the Second Team, highlighting the Hilltoppers' presence among the league's top performers.

Paternoster, a senior top, has been a key contributor for West Liberty throughout the season and will represent the Black and Gold in the Aerial Tumbling event finals this weekend.

Horvath, a freshman base, has made an immediate impact in her debut season and will compete in the Open Tumbling finals, giving West Liberty a pair of qualifiers on Sunday's championship stage.

The duo's postseason recognition comes as part of the MEC's annual awards, voted on by the league's head coaches.

As a team, West Liberty secured two event final qualifications, continuing to build momentum and showcase individual excellence against a competitive conference field.

Glenville State's Savannah Duckworth was named MEC Athlete of the Year, while teammate Delaney Rosales earned Specialist of the Year honors. Fairmont State's Cali Way was selected as Freshman of the Year, and Glenville State head coach Taylor Broadwater was named Coach of the Year.

The MEC Acrobatics & Tumbling Championships begin Saturday with semifinal action before concluding Sunday at Joe Retton Arena in Fairmont, West Virginia. Event finals are set for 12 p.m., followed by the championship meet at 6 p.m.




West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.