WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University acrobatics & tumbling team will be represented on the conference stage this weekend as Lainey Horvath and Bella Paternoster have each qualified for the 2026 Mountain East Conference Acrobatics & Tumbling Championship Event Finals.
The championship will take place April 11-12 inside Joe Retton Arena on the campus of Fairmont State University, with Sunday's Event Finals set for a 12 p.m. start.
Horvath earned her spot in the Open Tumbling finals, while Paternoster qualified in the Aerial Tumbling heat. The duo accounts for both of West Liberty's event final qualifiers, highlighting a strong season of individual performances against a competitive conference field. The Hilltoppers season average in open tumbling is 8.642 with a season high of 9.075 on March 4 at home against Canisius, the average aerial score this season for the black and gold is 8.363 with a season high of 8.875 recorded twice also against Canisius and March 21 at Bluefield State.
Event finalists are determined by the top three average scores recorded throughout the regular season in each heat across acro, pyramid, toss, and tumbling events. West Liberty was one of five programs to qualify athletes for the finals, joining Fairmont State, Glenville State, Frostburg State, Kutztown, and Wheeling.
Horvath will compete against athletes from Fairmont State and Glenville State in the aerial tumbling finals, showcasing her consistency and execution in one of the sport's most dynamic events. Paternoster will represent the Hilltoppers in the open tumbling finals, also facing competitors from Fairmont State and Glenville State.
Fairmont State and Glenville State led all institutions with 15 qualifying heats each, followed by Frostburg State with 11. West Liberty secured two qualifying spots, while Kutztown and Wheeling each had one.
The MEC Championship begins Saturday with semifinal action before concluding Sunday with the Event Finals at noon and the championship meet at 6 p.m.
Fans can purchase tickets at the gate, with admission set at $10 for adults, $5 for youth ages 13-18, and free entry for children 12 and under. MEC students will also be admitted free with a valid ID.
West Liberty will look to make its mark in the finals as Horvath and Paternoster take the mat representing the Black and Gold on the conference's biggest stage.
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.
