IRVINE, Calif. - The two teams know each other well; The final score of just a one point margin of victory tells the tale. Vanguard University (2-3) led a majority of the game to defeat the Concordia Eagles by a 13-12 count in their second and final contest outside of tournament play.
What Happened? Playing for the first time in almost a month, the Pride headed into enemy territory. Vanguard started out the game with a 3-1 lead after the first quarter, before the Eagles went on a run in the second period to close it to a 4-3 Lion lead entering the halftime intermission. The margin tightened even further as it was knotted 6-6 before the final quarter. The Lions held a slim 11-9 difference going into the final routine, where CUI was awarded points in all three categories. However, the Blue and Gold were given points in the partner students and pyramids portions to secure the victory.
Why It's Important? Vanguard is 3-6 all-time against their cross-town rivals, but have split the last six contests between them evenly. Tonight's victory avenges a loss from earlier this season when the Eagles won by just two points on the Blue and Gold's home mat. This is the seventh time the Pride has played a game which ended in a one point margin - they are 4-3 in such contests. All three losses came in regulation while their previous three victories came in a combined six overtime periods.
How It's Scored: A STUNT match has four quarters. The first three periods all feature four routines with the final fourth-quarter containing only three routines. Quarter 1 is partner stunts, Quarter 2 is pyramids, Quarter 3 jumps and tumbling, and Quarter 4 is team routine where the previous three quarters are combined. Routines in the first three frames are worth one point each whereas, in the fourth quarter, teams can earn up to three total points. There are eight levels of routines a team can perform ranging from beginner (1) to advanced (8), with each step becoming slightly more challenging.
What They Said: Maggie Brown (JR/Lake Elsinore, CA) - "We've been through a lot this season and we are starting to learn how to be resilient. We prepared for this game by understanding that we need to play for more than ourselves, we need to play for each other. Tonight we did that. Winning feels great, but it feels better to know that you played your best and we truly did."
What's Next: Friday, March 26th at California Baptist University at 6:30 p.m.
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