The competition was packed with high-energy routines, featuring breathtaking stunts, seamless tumbling, and impressive displays of strength and balance.

Both teams showcased remarkable skill and synchronization, executing intricate acro formations, dynamic pyramids, and gravity-defying tosses.

The Bears (0-3) set the tone early in the Compulsory event, delivering a strong performance and earning an impressive 33.900 out of 40.

One of the night's standout moments came during the Acro Toss, where sophomores Niani Anderson and Mia Taylor stole the spotlight with a stellar score of 9.30. Their execution was flawless, with impeccable technique and perfect synchronization, proving they were in complete harmony throughout the routine.
 

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At halftime, Morgan trailed by a narrow margin, with a score of 83.450 to Kutztown's 85.850. The Bears faced a setback in the Acro event, suffering a fall in Heat 3, which resulted in a score of 5.250. However, they remained resilient, determined to make up ground in the later rounds.

"We actually have to regroup," said Morgan head coach Regina Smith. "With the injury to Rayla [Buckner] and not having one of our starters for next week, we're going to have to go back to the table, strategize, and really refocus as a team." 

In the Toss event, the Bears fought hard but fell just short, scoring 25.00 out of a possible 28.30. 

Morgan found momentum in the Tumbling event, taking the lead with a score of 50.150 to Kutztown's 45.00. Sophomore Kayla Bryant and freshman Lailah Jewell delivered standout performances in Heat 4 and Heat 5, both earning impressive scores of 9.125.

In the Open Tumbling pass, freshman dynamo Marisa Jett shined, finishing with a high score of 9.450.

In the final Team Routine, the Bears posted a score of 66.490, while Kutztown secured 73.050, as the Golden Bears clinched the meet with an overall total of 228.250 to 225.090.

After a challenging start on the road, the Bears are eager to return to the familiar confines of Hill Field House. The team is looking to capitalize on the home-mat advantage as they prepare to face Long Island Sharks on Saturday, March 1st. A strong performance in front of their home crowd could provide the momentum they need as they navigate the rest of the season.
 

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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.