FULLERTON, Calif. -- The Vanguard STUNT program opened the 2024 STUNT NAIA Division National Tournament on Thursday in a matchup against Jessup.  The #2 seeded Warriors and the #3 Lions engaged in an enthralling contest, with Jessup in the lead by two points entering the final quarter.  However, JU nailed a couple of routines to take the final frame 9-7 to eke out a 17-14 victory.  Jessup goes to 16-3 and the Lions fall to 13-9 and VU will play OUAZ tomorrow in an elimination contest at 11:00 a.m. 
 
What Happened?  The Warriors were at their best in the first quarter of partner stunts, as Jessup won the period 4-1.  But the Lions responded with one of their best second-quarter efforts of the season, equaling JU point-for-point in pyramids and tosses.  With each team pocketing three points in the quarter, the Lions trailed 7-4 at halftime.  On the other side of the break, the Blue and Gold were again the favorites in the third quarter of jumps and tumbling and followed through with three points.  Despite the brilliant effort, JU snared two points in the third to remain on top, as the Warriors entered the fourth quarter up 9-7. The lead was surmountable and the longer routines of the fourth period tottered between the two squads, with each banking points.  But as the quarter moved along, Jessup grabbed two points that Vanguard could not counter, as the Warriors won the frame 9-7 and the match 17-14.