SPORTS
MARCH 31, 2022
PAGE 15
Acrobatics and Tumbling experiences another difficult loss The West Liberty University (WLU) Acrobatics and Tumbling team continues their misfortunes as the season progresses, as another difficult loss plagues the team, as they have now fallen in three straight contests. However, despite this, the team now sets their sights forward, and will look to get back on track against Frostburg State University on April 2, 2022. On March 8, 2022, West Liberty traveled to Bristol, Tennessee to face the King Tornadoes, in what at the time was a highly anticipated matchup between two nationally ranked programs. Going into the matchup, the Lady Hilltoppers were a perfect 4-0, and looked to make a statement. Unfortunately, it was the King who had their number this time. King took a very narrow 94.90-92.85 lead into the inter-
mission. In what appeared to be a rather hard fought half for the black and gold, West Liberty found themselves stumbling to overtake King, and ultimately failing to make up any ground in the end, even-
tually letting the contest slip away with them and losing by the final of 263.995-259.210. Following their loss to King, West Liberty traveled to Erie, Pa. to take on Gannon University in yet another nationally ranked contest. With Gannon coming into the match ranked sixth in the nation, the Lady Hilltoppers had hoped to bounce back from their previous match, but were sadly just short. Originally, Gannon faltered against West Liberty, trailing by the score of 93.35-88.05 at half. However, the lead held by the black and gold soon vanished, as unfortunate mishaps would doom the Hilltoppers, which ultimately allowed Gannon to fight their way back to defeat the Hilltoppers. From here, the Hilltoppers set their sights on a highly anticipated matchup between arch-MEC foe, Fairmont State University. With Fairmont winning the conference title last year, it is safe to say that the Hilltoppers were looking forward to dethroning the best during the sea-
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports son. However, yet again unfortunately West Liberty was unable to muster up a victory, losing to the tenth best team in the nation in Fairmont by the final of 260.845-238.895. Where does West Liberty go from here as the team tries to escape a three game slide? Well, for starters, they must take care of their next matchup against Frostburg State at home on Saturday. Then, all memory from the regular season needs to be reset, as the conference tournament begins, giving a chance for WLU to seek revenge on the likes of Fairmont State. Finally, the Hilltoppers will then look to travel to Eugene, Oregon for the NCATA Championships.
