FAIRMONT, W.Va. – The West Liberty University acrobatics & tumbling team was represented on the conference's biggest stage Sunday afternoon as Lainey Horvath and Bella Paternoster competed in the 2026 Mountain East Conference Event Finals inside Joe Retton Arena.

Competing against the league's top performers, Horvath took part in the Open Tumbling finals while Paternoster represented the Hilltoppers in the Aerial Tumbling heat. The duo accounted for West Liberty's two qualifiers, highlighting a strong season of individual consistency for the Black and Gold.

Both athletes faced a highly competitive field that included finalists from conference powers Fairmont State and Glenville State. The Event Finals featured several tightly contested heats, with Glenville State claiming the Open Tumbling title (9.700) and Fairmont State earning the Aerial Tumbling crown (9.600).

West Liberty was one of six programs to qualify athletes for the Event Finals, joining Fairmont State, Glenville State, Frostburg State, Kutztown, and Wheeling.

Later in the evening, Fairmont State captured the 2026 MEC Championship, defeating Glenville State, 261.450-243.200. The Falcons secured their second straight conference title and fifth overall, completing another undefeated run through MEC competition.

Fairmont State controlled the meet throughout, posting strong scores across each event and sealing the victory with an 85.400 in the final team event. The Falcons also dominated the Event Finals earlier in the day, claiming nine individual titles.



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.