WLU’s Acrobatics and Tumbling Team had their first meet of the season on Tuesday against Davis and Elkins. The Ladies won 255.720-244.355 against a competitive side. Head Coach Kelsey Kyle’s ladies have had a long wait since their last competition since the 2020 season was postponed due to COVID-19. Since then, the team has been hard at work preparing for the chance to compete again.

Tuesday night saw the Lady Toppers take on the Senators under their new Head Coach, Mariah Ack, who got the job in December after serving as the Graduate Assistant Coach for the WLU over the last 18 months. This added element made this week’s meet even more exciting as the Hilltoppers fought to keep their 3-0 streak against D&E. The Hilltoppers added to their win streak making it 4-0.

Kyle’s squad has four more regular season meets this semester. The next three meets are away trips to West Virginia Wesleyan College, Frostburg State University, and Glenville State College, followed by a home fixture against Fairmont State University on March 28.

West Liberty’s Acrobatics and Tumbling Program is still relatively young, but the steam has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the MEC. “Our expectations are high,” said Kyle. “The team has been working extremely hard this entire year. They have overcome every challenge and setback thrown at them due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are not at all lowering our expectations for this season because of those challenges.”

Despite being cut short, the 2020 season saw the Hilltoppers beat their own records and achieve new high scores. Several members of the squad also received National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association (NCATA) awards for their personal achievements during competitions. Kyle and the squad hope to add to this growing list of achievements in the 2021 season, she said, “The team is very focused and has their priorities set in order to have our best season yet.”

In every sport, and for every athlete, getting the chance to compete again after such a long hiatus is a very exciting feeling. “It’s hard for me to put into words how excited I am to watch my team compete again,” said Kyle. “I am so proud of how hard each athlete on my team has worked to prepare for this season. I am so thankful for West Liberty and the MEC for everything that they have done in order for us to compete safely.”

The Topper’s next meet is on March 8 at 6 p.m.. Check in with Hilltoppersports.com and the future issues of the Trumpet for updates on how the ladies get on!