msuvsacro

Acrobatics and Tumbling Assata Allah-Shabazz, MSU Athletics Communications

Bears Battle Presbyterian in Close Meet, Still Seeking First Victory

BALTIMORE, Md. (March 9, 2025)--On Sunday the Morgan State Bears hosted Presbyterian College at Hill Field House for their second home meet of the season. The competition was intense, but despite a strong effort, the Bears fell short, with Presbyterian securing the win with a final score of 237.045 to Morgan's 221.985.
 
The meet opened with the Compulsory Event, where Morgan set the tone early with a score of 34.85, while Presbyterian scored 31.45. In the Acro Event, Morgan's performance was solid, finishing with 23.70, while Presbyterian scored 23.60, making the competition very close.
 
The Pyramid Event showcased some standout moments for the Bears, particularly in Heat 2, where the team earned a score of 9.15. However, Presbyterian's strong performances in Heat 1 and Heat 2 (9.55 and 9.55, respectively) allowed them to maintain their lead, with the final score in the event being 28.70 for Presbyterian and 25.65 for Morgan.
 
In the Toss Event, Morgan struggled to match Presbyterian's performance. Despite an impressive start value of 28.30 in Heat 1, a setback in Heat 3, where they earned just 7.45, led to an overall score of 23.20 for the Bears. Presbyterian finished the event with 25.50, extending their lead.



 
The Tumbling Event featured strong individual performances, with A'lycia Moore showing resilience in the Aerial Pass, scoring 9.225. Morgan excelled in the tumbling area, finishing with a score of 51.175, compared to Presbyterian's 47.875, with the Morgan crowd cheering them on.
 
Heading into the final Team Event, the Bears were just 1.45 points ahead, leading Presbyterian 168.575 to 157.125. Unfortunately, during an individual flip portion of the Team Event, one of Morgan's athletes sustained an injury, preventing them from completing the routine. Despite the setback, the Bears gave it their all, but Presbyterian ultimately took control, securing the win with a score of 79.92 in the Team Event. The final score saw Presbyterian victorious at 237.045, while Morgan finished at 221.985.
 
"We have the skills. 'It doesn't matter how talented you are. You have to have the drive and desire," said Morgan State acrobatics and tumbling head coach Regina Smith. "We know we should be winning, and it's hard to continue to lose when we know what we're capable of. We have to put in the work before the meet and show up fully prepared."
 
"The expectation is a win. At this point, it's all about what they put on the mat."
 
Most notable:
● Rayla Buckner made her return in the Tumbling Event, delivering a standout performance as she gradually brought her skillset back.
● Freshman Aniya Jones (15) and junior Indirah Mitter stepped up to take the place of sophomore Jordyn Sanders(base/tumbler), who was injured in the middle of the Team Routine.
● The injury caused the team to stop the routine and reassess their strategy and organization. 
● Despite the disruption, both Jones and Mitter rose to the occasion and delivered solid performances, showcasing their versatility.


FOLLOW MORGAN STATE ATHLETICS IN CYBERSPACE 
There are many ways to keep up with MSU athletics online and on the go:
• Visit www.morganstatebears.com, the official web site of Bears athletics, for news, schedules, stats, bios and more. 
• Follow us on social media:
Facebook: /MorganStateBears
Twitter: @MorganStBears
Instagram: /MorganStateBears
 
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.
 
 


 
Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Jordyn Sanders

#12 Jordyn Sanders

Base/Tumbler
Freshman
Rayla Buckner

#27 Rayla Buckner

Top/Tumbler
5' 1"
Freshman
Indirah Mitter

#15 Indirah Mitter

Base
5' 4"
Sophomore
Aniya Jones

#10 Aniya Jones

Utility
5' 0"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Jordyn Sanders

#12 Jordyn Sanders

Freshman
Base/Tumbler
Rayla Buckner

#27 Rayla Buckner

5' 1"
Freshman
Top/Tumbler
Indirah Mitter

#15 Indirah Mitter

5' 4"
Sophomore
Base
Aniya Jones

#10 Aniya Jones

5' 0"
Freshman
Utility