FULLERTON, Calif. -- A thrilling STUNT semifinal this morning saw the Vanguard Lions play their best match of the season against local rival Hope International.  Despite trailing 8-4 at halftime, the Blue and Gold outplayed HIU in the second half to knot the score at 16-16 to force overtime.  For the second time in program history, VU played in an extra frame but though the squad gave their all, HIU escaped with an 18-17 win.  VU will end the year at 15-10. 
 
What Happened?  The Royals seemed poised to roll through the contest, as HIU held a 4-2 lead after the first quarter of partner stunts.  Hope put up the same score in the second frame of pyramids and tosses, giving the hosts an 8-4 edge.  But the Lions shook off their doubts and threw down an impressive stretch of play.  Owning a great jumps and tumbling squad all season long, Vanguard outscored Hope 3-1 in the third period to cut the gap to 9-7. 
 
Entering the fourth quarter of the combined routines with only two points of separation, the game was very much up for grabs and the Blue and Gold rose to the occasion.  VU equaled Hope in most routines and earned a couple wins as the period went by, taking the frame 9-7 to push the score to 16-16.
 
STUNT overtime is all quarter-four routines, and the teams play a lower number routine, with the degree of difficulty rising if the teams remain tied.  VU and HIU were given routine three and while the Lions offered their best, Hope were given a 2-1 decision to win match the 18-17.
 
It was the final STUNT contest in the brillant careers of Brenna Higdon, Rebecca Im, Graysen Young, and Tatum Thompson, who have helped the program make the STUNT National Championship the past four years.
 
"Our Lions played with heart and courage," said Head Coach Leslie Allen.  "We took the game into OT and we stepped up our play as the tournament went on.  I'm blessed to coach such an amazing team!"