NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (Feb. 21, 2026)--The Morgan State acrobatics & tumbling team competed against No.4 Iona University on Saturday afternoon, putting on a dominant yet competitive performance, but ultimately came up just short of the victory.
 
Despite a strong and hard-fought match, the Lady Bears lost to the Gales, 257.385-227.600 at Hynes Athletics Cener.
 
Both teams showed strong determination, creating an intense match that kept every spectator on the edge of their seat. Resulting in combined strength, flexibility, balance, and precise timing to execute synchronism.
 
The Lady Bears (0-2) got off to a slow start during the first event, the compulsory round, with a total score of 36.500-34.550. Both teams put on a strong performance; however, Iona (2-0) maintained a major edge by using consistent execution to gain an early lead.
 
Although the first event may have set the tone for the rest of the meet, Morgan State remained resilient and delivered strong routines throughout every heat of the competition.
 
Through the second half, the ladies' ambition remained high, allowing many standout performances. Junior Niani Anderson (Utility) delivered several standout routines. During Heat 5 of the tumbling event, she inevitably demonstrated precision, balance, and consistency with a total score of 9.450.
 
The overall team event performance was executed seamlessly, showcasing exceptional control. Conversely, Morgan State fell short during this event against Iona with an overall score of 71.750-82.760.
 
"The team is looking better. What they really need is more consistency—being consistent is what will help them keep improving and really take off," said Morgan State head coach Agina Simpkins, emphasizing the importance of consistency to clinch a win.
 
Without backing down, Morgan State will remain confident and focused as it prepares for Long Island University on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 3 p.m. in Brooklyn, New York. The Lady Bears will look to carry their momentum into the matchup.
 
 
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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.