Results

BALTMORE, Md. (March 19, 2025) -- The Morgan State Bears continued their season with a commanding victory over Francis Marion University in a National Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA) meet. Displaying depth, skill, and a new level of intensity, the Bears steadily built momentum to secure a decisive win. 

Morgan sealed the victory with a dominant showing in the Team Routine, scoring 79.700 to Francis Marion's 67.500. The final meet total saw the Bears triumph 242.395 to 215.825.

Morgan started strong in the Compulsory event, opening with an 8.100 in the Acro heat. However, Francis Marion edged out the Bears in the overall event, finishing with 33.750 points to Morgan State's 32.550. Despite the early deficit, the Bears entered the meet with a fresh mindset.

"This week our team came out with a different attitude," said sophomore Aubree Johnson-Turner. "We showed up and showed out, and we put that energy all on the mat."

The Bears quickly responded with dominance in the Acro event, sweeping all three heats and scoring a total of 25.300 points. The standout performance came in the 7-Element Acro heat, where tops Rayla Buckner and Niani Anderson, alongside base Lauren Perkins, executed a near-flawless routine, earning an impressive 9.400.

Morgan carried that momentum into the Pyramid event, outscoring the Patriots 28.400 to 27.000. The highlight came in Heat 3, where the Bears posted a remarkable 9.850. By halftime, Morgan State had taken firm control of the meet, leading 86.250 to 80.550.

The Bears continued to extend their advantage in the Toss event, scoring 24.900 compared to Francis Marion's 23.150. Heat 3 of the Toss saw Morgan earn an 8.400, pushing their meet total to 163.325, while the Patriots trailed at 148.075 heading into the final two events.

Freshman Cai Smith expressed the team's confidence and growth throughout the season.

"We deserve this win. We've been working all season for this, and it's just so well deserved," Smith said.

In the Tumbling event, the Bears once again dominated, hitting their skills with precision. A'lycia Moore and Kiera Harris delivered a strong 9.050 in the Duo Pass, while Kayla Bryant impressed with a 9.150 in the 6-Element Pass. Moore then closed out the event in style, earning a 9.275 in the Open Tumbling Pass. The Bears posted a total of 52.175 in Tumbling, further solidifying their lead.

"It's been a long time coming," said Head Coach Regina Smith. "We have worked hard to execute our entire meet, and today's performance was probably the best we've had all season."

Looking ahead, Coach Smith emphasized the importance of refining their performance.

"Moving forward, we just have to clean up those small mistakes," Smith said. 

With their momentum at an all-time high, the Bears will look to build on this performance as they continue their NCATA campaign.

The Bears are back on the mat on April 4, 2025 as they face Stevenson University at Hill Field house at 6 p.m. 

 

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.