Wheeling, W. Va. – Over the last three weeks, the Wheeling University Acrobatics & Tumbling team (0-4, 0-3) has taken some time to rest and recover. On Monday, they return to action as they continue their Mountain East Conference (MEC) stretch. The head to Institute, West Virginia to take on West Virginia State with first events beginning at 6 PM.

Last time out, the Cardinals competed in their first road event as a program, traveling to Glenville State for a tri-match with Glenville State and Frostburg State. Despite not competing in the final team event of the night, the Cardinals were able to compete against some of the best teams in the conference. Their top two events of the night would come in the Toss and the Tumbling events. In the toss, things started out strong as the Cardinals set a new program record of 7.70 in the 450 Salto Heat. They scored 7.0 or higher in all three events and took that momentum into tumbling. The Cardinals would win their second heat of the season in the final event, the Open Pass, as they continue to build their skills each time they hit the mat.

The athlete who won that event was Gabrielle Jantz, who took on that open pass. She would post a score of 7.650 in the event, beating out Glenville State to get her first individual heat win of the season. Jantz has been one of three leaders for the tumbling group this season, taking on both the Open Pass and the Trio Pass. Along with her work in the tumbling heat, Jantz has been a versatile top for the team, competing in several heats of both the Compulsory and Acri events. Jantz has been the Cardinal's third highest scorer this season, and is one of three athletes to take on individual events this season. She looks to continue her success as they head into their late March schedule.

The other two leading tops for the Cardinals have been Keala McCurry and Gianna Bjorn. McCurry was the first-ever Cardinal to win a heat when she took top honors in the 5-element tumbling against Fairmont State. McCurry is one of the most consistent athletes for the Cardinals this season, and is coming off a career-best 8.40 in the Aerial Pass. Bjorn is the final Cardinal individual performer and holds a similar role as McCurry. Along with her work in the 6-element, Bjorn is also a top during the Compulsory and Acro events and has been a top performer for the Cardinals. With their top base out due to injury, Savannah Warren has stepped in strong and anchored the Acro events. She has used her strength and technique to help the Cardinals grow in the event.

After taking the break from competition, the Cardinals hit a hard three-week stretch as they continue the regular season. Of their final three matches, two will be one-on-one matchups with newer programs as the Cardinals search for their first win in program history. They will have to be road warriors in March, with two of their three events being away from the Alma Grace McDonough Center. After being at home in their first two events of the season, the Cardinals look to continue to sharpen their skills. The Cardinals will be looking to return to the team events this week as they make a push both for the team and for their individual events to make the 2025 MEC Acrobatics & Tumbling championships.

First events for Monday's match are scheduled for 6 PM inside the Walker Convocation Center. You can watch the action live by clicking HERE.